There will be no horse racing for the foreseeable future as approval from the COVID-19 Task Force for the return of the sport was not granted.
This is according to Honorary President of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), Justice Cecil Kennard.
Racing has been on hold since March due to the coronavirus outbreak, but authorities had hoped to restart the sport without spectators and strict hygiene measures.
Nevertheless, approval was not granted to organizers like Kennard who was hoping to stage his traditional Boxing Day Meet at the KMTC.
According to Kennard, the rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks was cited at the meetings with the relevant authorities as the reason for the disapproval.
Kennard said the denial of the horse racing authority’s request was “unfortunate” especially for the poor horse owners.
He then apologised to horse owners and sponsors, noting that the decision to shelf ‘the Sport of Kings’ was beyond the Club’s control.
He concluded by stating that “We will continue to talk to the responsible authorities.” (Emmerson Campbell)
