IT LOOKS ALL SYSTEMS GO
Boris leaves way open for swift return
BORIS JOHNSON left the door ajar for racing to make its coronavirus comeback as he addressed the UK last night.
All eyes were on the British Prime Minister as he delivered revisions to the lockdown restrictions designed to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The British Horseracing Authority had pencilled in Newcastle this Friday as the “best-case scenario” for a resumption – with high-profile fixtures provisionally planned for the following two weekends.
And a swift return looks a distinct possibility as a result of Johnson’s words, which eased the measures put in place by Downing Street on March 20.
While stressing that “this is not the time simply to end the lockdown” Johnson (right) did make provision for “a change of emphasis”.
“We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must,” he added. “We now need to stress than anyone who can’t work from home should be actively encouraged to go to work.”
The Betfair exchange reacted positively to his speech, with racing a shade of odds-on to return on or before June 1.
The BHA have much to consider as they meet with industry leaders today. German racing made its restart – it had been in abeyance since March 15 – at Hanover last Thursday, while this afternoon’s three fixtures, spearheaded by a glittering card at Parislongchamp, mark France’s comeback from a blackout that began two days later.
The picture in Ireland is less positive, with Horse Racing Ireland chiefs set this week to continue talks with the government.