Greyhound racing has become the latest sport in the UK to be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the sport’s official body.

The Greyhound Board of Britain said it followed UK government advice to reduce possible contact from the spread of the pandemic, which will be reviewed in the next three weeks.

Commenting on the suspension of the sport at least until mid-April, managing director of the greyhound board Mark Bird said on March 23: “In responding to tonight’s PM’s announcement we have to suspend all racing tomorrow as this is the responsible thing to do. However, there remains a need to clarify the government position in terms of ‘gatherings’ and ‘work’.

“I have contacted our contacts in DEFRA and DCMS and await their urgent clarification on these points. The GBGB has planned for this eventuality and we are ready to meet it head on. I firmly believe that the UK racing greyhound community are of the same stoic mind. Let’s remain calm and we will carry on.”

Only last week the board decided to perform the sport behind closed doors at all courses across the UK, giving hope to bookmakers that they could continue with some live sport in the country. The industry has also been looking at ways to mitigate the ban, including shifting live streams to countries not currently under Covid-19 lockdown.