The Horse Racing news and views Monday 16th March 2020

It was a cracking Cheltenham Festival and I finished +14.4 to level stakes, a bit weird with all that has been going on, but brilliant fun as ever. I am back to reality now and wondering why so many people seem to require reminding to wash their hands! And as for the panic buying, seriously how many bog rolls and tins of beans do people need???

With the virus causing havoc across the country unsurprisingly horse racing is also affected. Having made a statement in regard to racing being held behind closed doors from this week the BHA has now been forced to shut down its head office in High Holborn due to small number of office-based BHA staff self-isolating. 

The Grand National meeting is a real doubt now, of course, plus Lambourn and Middleham open days on Good Friday. Sadly, there is every chance this could affect the game for months yet with the Guineas, Derby and Royal Ascot to name a few in danger.

Will be it hard for us fans without Horse Racing, Football, Rugby, Cricket? Well, a lot of blokes up and down the country won't have much to talk about that's for sure but it isn't the end of the world. Truth be told, it doesn't really matter in a situation such as this. Sport is really nothing more than an escape for most of us, taking us away for a few excited moments from the run of the mill, day-to-day, grown-up serious stuff. 

For now, stay safe, look after yourself and Be Lucky