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CAROLINE NORRIS
“title =” Monalee, seen here in action at last year’s Hunt for Savills, will not be able to make his commitment to Hunt King George VI on St. Stephen’s Day “class =” js-imageLoader “data-at-xn =” https: //www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/01/29/74610-medium.jpeg “data-br-n =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news / 2020 /01/29/74610-medium.jpeg “data-br-m =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/01/29/74610-large.jpeg “data- br- w = “https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/01/29/74610-large.jpeg” data-br-xw = “https: //www.rp-assets. com / images / news / 2020/01/29/74610-large.jpeg “onclick =” return false; “>
The Irish government has extended its travel ban to Britain until December 31, which means there will be no horses traveling between the two nations during the festive period.
The most prominent casualty of the development will be Bromhead’s Henry-trained Monalee, who was due to race at the King George at Kempton on December 26 and had had an 8-1 overall chance.
Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Officer Brian Kavanagh said: “Based on government policy, HRI has instructed that there will be no Irish racers in the UK or UK racers in Ireland from now until 31 December.
“The only exceptions to that ban are for supply chains and essential services. It’s unfortunate, but there are bigger issues at stake. However, it was nice that the government announced that the races will continue behind closed doors, which gives us some certainty “.
The Irish government’s action was part of a series of new Covid-19 restrictions implemented in response to fears about the new variant of the virus that is dominant in south-east England.
Kavanagh added: “The government’s concern is very clear: these are exceptional times and the UK travel ban is something that happens once in a generation.”
De Bromhead told the Racing Post that Monalee will now be considered for the Savills Chases at Leopardstown and Tramore, meaning he could face double Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo on New Year’s Day. He also planned to race Arkle winner Put The Kettle On in Sunday’s Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Hunt.
Of Bromhead he said: “Unfortunately, this is sad news, but we have to comply with regulations and protocols, so that’s it.
“We will have to think of an alternative plan for the affected horses. Monalee is at the Savills Chase in Leopardstown, and we will also sign him up now for the Savills Chase at Tramore on New Years Day. We may also miss Christmas entirely and head straight for the Irish Gold Cup.
“As for Put The Kettle On, there is no other race suitable for her this Christmas other than Grade 1 at Leopardstown. I haven’t spoken to the owners yet, so we’ll see.”
Also affected by the travel ban Gordon Elliott, who had entered the Duffle Coat undefeated at the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle in Chepstow on Sunday, while Denis Hogan expected to run Moyhenna at the Coral Welsh National on the same day. Coach Olly Murphy, who had entered Thomas Darby at the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle on Monday, was hit in the other direction.
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More to follow. . .
FIRST POST 1:55 PM, DECEMBER 22, 2020
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