Irish racing authorities are facing up to the possibility of their sport being wiped out until May as the tally of foot and mouth disease cases continues to grow in Britain.

The British Horseracing Board has confirmed that entries for the Cheltenham Festival's events are now invalid with the 20 races being reopened and a deadline for entries cannot be set until a new date for the Festival is confirmed.

Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: "I would very much hope to have a decision on or before Monday.

"We are in contact with people in Ireland, at Portman Square and with all those involved in the servicing the meeting.

"We have a pretty good picture of the dates we would prefer, hence the discussions with Ireland. "

The chances of a racing ban being lifted in time to allow the staging of the prestige Punchestown Festival, due to begin on April 24, are diminishing.

Irish Turf Club spokesman Michael O'Rourke said: "The people at Punchestown are still confident the meeting will go ahead and that would make it difficult for some of our trainers.

"However, there's a possibility that we might not be racing again until May.

"At present the Irish Government is saying there can be no racing until 30 days after the last confirmed outbreak in Britain.

"There have been reported cases again on Friday so that already brings Punchestown right up to the edge and we just have to hope that foot and mouth begins to ease off in the next week."

Ante-post bets on the Cheltenham Festival will be refunded following the announcement that all entries for the postponed meeting are invalid.

A statement from the racecourse said: "It has been agreed with the British Horseracing Board that the races will be reopened and entries will close two weeks prior to the revised dates.

"Existing entries for all 20 races have today been voided."