HAYDOCK Park's next race meeting will go ahead as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak.

The British Horseracing Authority announced it has been monitoring the development of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and its potential implications for the racing industry.

The BHA said the UK Government has confirmed that business should continue as normal across the country and that British racing continues to operate on this basis.

The Cheltenham Festival is being held this week.

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The BHA said on its website: "The industry’s priority is to look after racing’s participants and customers, while minimising risks to human health and any potential disruption to the sport.

"To support this work, racing has established a steering group, which is chaired by the BHA and comprised of representatives from the BHA, Racecourse Association (RCA), The Horsemen’s Group and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).

"The steering group meets on a regular basis to oversee the racing industry’s planning and preparedness, and lead on engagement with government."

Haydock Park's next meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18 which is still going ahead.

A statement on the Haydock Park website says: "British Racing is in close communication with the government about current public health matters in the UK and the advice is to continue the business of the country as usual, while adhering to the latest public health advice.

"While there is no reason to expect anything to change and racing fixtures continue to take place all around the country, please be assured that Haydock Park Racecourse operates a full refund policy in the event of any raceday not taking place."