This year's Dublin Horse Show at the RDS has been cancelled.
The decision has been made "with great regret" and comes as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RDS was due to host the 2020 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Dublin Horse Show from July 15-19.
It's the latest blow to the sporting calendar with the Horse Show usually one of the summer showpieces, attracting 100,000 visitors across its five days.
A statement says, "The scale of the Show necessitates preparations beginning months in advance, with horses in training around Ireland for the many national competitions held as part of the Show.
"Qualifiers scheduled to begin this month are unable to proceed this year in the current circumstances.
"In addition, the RDS begins its on-site preparations many months in advance."
It's the first time since the 1966 cancelling of the Aga Khan Trophy that the Horse Show has suffered any alteration.
Previously, only World War I had seen it called off between 1914 and 1918, while World War II only saw it cancelled in 1940.
RDS Chief Executive Michael Duffy says, "The RDS did not come to this decision lightly and only after detailed considerations of all the factors involved.
"However, we believe it is the most responsible decision we can make in the best interests of public health and safety.
"We understand that this will disappoint many members of the public and that it will have implications for many horse breeders and producers around the country.
"However, we trust that everyone will understand and support a decision made in the national interest.
"It is incumbent on all of us to do everything we can to support the measures introduced by the Government."
A statement concludes, "We are in discussion with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in relation to the dates for the 2021 Horse Show and we will announce these dates when they are confirmed to us."
