All Racing in France Canceled Until April 15

France has become the first major racing nation to suspend the sport after an extraordinary meeting between France Galop and Le Trot. 

All meetings have been canceled from March 17 until April 15, a period that covers a key section of classic trials on the flat as well as several prep races for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. 

The two governing bodies convened a special session of their two administrative councils March 16, just 72 hours after moving all racing behind closed doors.

The suspension comes against a background of emergency meetings between the government of President Emmanuel Macron with health and defense chiefs, with further measures to limit the movement of people under discussion. 

Edouard de Rothschild, president of France Galop, and Le Trot's Jean-Pierre Barjon said in a joint statement: "Our absolute priority is the health of all people involved in racing and respect for the directives of the state.

"In suspending all racing, we want above all to protect them from the current pandemic. In taking this decision the horse industry also shows its solidarity with the entire nation. We are fully aware of the economic consequences of cancelling racing. That is why we have decided to organize a major effort between racing businesses and the governing body. That will be the first step in our efforts to safeguard the racing economy.

"We are living in exceptional times, and an unprecedentedly serious situation. We know we can count on everyone to contribute in the effort to end this pandemic as quickly as possible. You can also count on our effort and determination. Nobody will be abandoned."