Racing Post suspends print edition newspaper
Reporters are stood down as editor Tom Kerr announces the temporary suspension of UK horseracing’s only daily newspaper
The Racing Post has suspended its print edition newspaper leaving journalists “temporarily stood down” after the coronavirus pandemic cancelled the racing calendar.
The closure of all betting shops to stop the spread of Covid-19, along with the end of racing behind closed doors in Ireland, appear to have left the business with no option but to suspend printing.
While news coverage will continue online, some members of staff have been furloughed with parent company Spotlight Sports Group utilising the government’s job retention scheme in the meantime.
Today's Racing Post: the last edition for a while as the sports we love shut down but we will be back. Until then, do keep updated on https://t.co/aDE2R2Xfwi, stay safe, stay healthy and stay home. pic.twitter.com/LGdtRwnEO6
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) March 26, 2020
Racing Post editor Tom Kerr said he was incredibly proud of the editorial team who have continued to produce content from makeshift work-from-home offices in recent weeks.
“It is with great sadness that I must announce that following Thursday’s edition, the Racing Post will be temporarily suspending publication,” said Kerr.
“Unfortunately, with racing in Britain halted, betting shops closed, and our government urging everyone to stay at home as much as possible to slow the spread of coronavirus, we have been left with no other choice.
“When racing is back, the Racing Post newspaper will be back as well, filled with all the wit, wisdom, data and analysis that you expect from us,” he added.
Desperate news that @RacingPost will suspend print publication after tomorrow. An industry as big as ours urgently needs its trade paper. Really hope to see it back on the news-stands soon, but the longer we are off, the harder it is likely to be. Fingers, everything, crossed.
— Greg Wood (@Greg_Wood_) March 25, 2020
The Racing Post launched in 1986 and has been the sport’s only daily newspaper since 1998. It produces a separate publication for betting shop displays, all of which are now closed.