The Coronavirus outbreak looks increasingly likely to result in the cancellation of the 2020 Star Sports/ARC/LPS Greyhound Derby which is due to commence at Nottingham in less than a month’s time – writes Floyd Amphlett.
At least two major Irish kennels have withdrawn their runners and trialists on Monday with others expected to follow suit.
Their concerns are based on the prospect that the runners will not be able to return home, either immediately, or at any stage during the competition itself. The relevant owners are understood to be supporting the trainers’ decision.
Notwithstanding any British Government stance on future sporting events, the absence of the leading Irish runners would damage both the quality of the event and place a significant financial burden on the stadium.
Nobody from Nottingham Stadium was available from comment.
The option that the Derby could be postponed until later in the year must be a consideration. Indeed, depending on other events, including the anticipated postponement of the Euro 2020 Football Championships (decision on Tuesday), the Derby might possibly return to its traditional June slot.
