A scene from the Laytown Races, Laytown, Co. Meath, on Sept. 12, 2019. INPHO/OISIN KENIRY
A horse racing tradition dating back 150 years has fallen to Covid-19 with confirmation last week that the annual fixture on the beach at Laytown is being cancelled for this year. It was due to be held on Sept 1. The Laytown Races Chairman Joe Collins said: ‘‘Laytown Races is in a unique position as we race under temporary facilities and our racetrack on the beach is a fantastic amenity, open to the public. As the health and safety of Laytown and Bettystown residents, sponsors, racegoers, jockeys, trainers, stable staff and racecourse staff is our number one priority, the committee had too many concerns about how we could implement social distancing during racing, especially on the beach and in the village.’’
-- Sean Creedon
