Tiger Roll's three-in-a-row dream gone as Aintree Grand National cancelled

The 2020 Aintree Grand National, in which Tiger Roll had been expected to attempt an unprecedented third victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase on 4th April, has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Jockey Club, said in a statement tonight that they had taken the decision to cancel the entire three-day Grand National meeting, which was due to open on 2nd April.
The decision has been taken following “the government’s new public health guidance regarding avoiding social contact and stopping non-essential travel, and its statement that emergency services are withdrawn from supporting mass gatherings from tomorrow,” the statement added.
The British Horseracing Authority, the sport’s ruling body, announced earlier on Monday that all racing in Britain would take place behind closed doors from Tuesday.
 “The Randox Health Grand National Festival was just three weeks away and it’s very clear to us it will not be possible for the event to take place,” Sandy Dudgeon, the senior steward of the Jockey Club, said in a statement on Monday evening. “Public health must come first.
“We were working on a plan to stage the Grand National behind closed doors, given its importance to the racing industry and beyond, but following the new government measures confirmed this evening to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak, this is not a viable option.
“I know this is hugely disappointing news for the many people who work in our sport and the many millions who were looking forward to this year’s event, but very sadly these are exceptional times and this is the responsible thing to do.”
At home, following Government restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19, Fairyhouse has cancelled the weights launch for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, which was due to take place in Willie Mullins’ yard this Wednesday.
Horseracing Ireland will issue the BoyleSports 150th Irish Grand National weights on Wednesday, but the meeting may also be in question given the current health crisis.