STILL AT THE RACES
Kelso meeting is on behind closed doors
SANDY THOMSON says it would be a “disaster for the industry” if racing is halted.
But the leading Scottish trainer firmly believes today’s behindclosed-doors meeting at Kelso can offer the template on how the sport can keep running and bring muchneeded enjoyment to a suffering population during this period of public turmoil.
Borders handler Thomson will be represented at his local venue this afternoon as the track stages Scotland’s first sporting occasion since the Scottish Government advised against gatherings of more than 500 people due to coronavirus.
Further advice may see that spread across the UK for the foreseeable future, damaging or even postponing big meetings such as next month’s scheduled Grand National at Aintree.
Thomson though says it’s crucial for a range of reasons that the sport can keep going.
Speaking to Record Sport at Carlisle he said: “Every industry is the same and has to cut their cloth to suit but what is the reason for stopping these smaller meetings?
“It’s devastation for bookmakers and such like if Aintree is off but the bread and butter has to continue.
“We start at Kelso for the first meeting. There’s not a huge number of runners and it’s a template for how we are going to have to do things.
“If that comes sooner rather than later maybe that’s a good thing as it shows we are taking things seriously in racing. Money will be lost with people not coming through the gate but the most important thing is we keep racing. It would be a disaster for the industry if it doesn’t.
“One important issue is racing is giving something to people. When we are in a desperate situation and people are sitting at home it’s giving them something to do.
“The Government will look at these things and, listen, they will get called out whatever they do. That’s the nature of government these days.
“Hopefully, they will look at this one and think: ‘Yeah, it’ll be good for the nation’. People are interested in racing and it gives them something to look at. People don’t have to go into betting shops anymore. It can all be done on phones.
“If it’s behind closed doors, fine,
but it would be a disaster for thousands of people if it can’t keep going. Other businesses will go to the wall too. I heard a taxi driver speak the other day and he was talking about the schools being closed down and it would be difficult.
“But it doesn’t mean it has to be blanket across everything. We just have to be realistic about what we can and can’t do.
“It’s a huge industry. We employ a huge number of people. We have all the jump horses coming to the culmination of the season. All the flat horses are ready to run and what is going to happen to them?
“People have invested millions of pounds on horses. If you can’t run them it will be an utter disaster for the owners who will lose a lot of money and then, therefore, won’t reinvest. It’s a snowball effect.”
Racing figures are awaiting more information as regards the immediate future of the sport.
A Scottish Racing statement said: “The body which represents all the racecourses in Scotland is awaiting further information from the Government as to how horse racing in Scotland may continue within the current restrictions on mass gatherings over 500 people.
“As soon as discussions have taken place we will issue a further statement.”
Kelso’s meeting today could provide conclusive proof racing can charge on.
Managing director Jonathan Garratt said: “We are planning to proceed as scheduled as it is vital for the racing industry and everyone employed in businesses related to racing.
“Our intention is to remain within the capacity figure of 500 people referenced by the First Minister. This will include essential racecourse staff, medical, veterinary staff, jockeys, officials and those accompanying the horses.
“One of the main differences between racing and other sports that have been stopped is we are not in stadiums with people sitting next to each other for 90 minutes.
“There is generally quite a bit of distance between people as they circulate in the open air.
“In the past we have used NHS services but now we only use private ambulances, while our medical provision comes from private individuals.
“Of course we will miss gate revenue but the racecourse is a conduit for finances for lots of rural businesses and this is why it’s
important to keep going.”
We just have to be realistic on what we can and can’t do
SANDY THOMSON