BUMPER ENTRIES FOR BIG RETURN
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RACING’S planned return to action at Newcastle on Monday has attracted a whopping 369 entries.
But there will be dozens of disappointed owners and trainers as the scheduled races, broadcast on Sky, will have a maximum of 12 runners due to social distancing rules.
Weatherbys confirmed that the maiden and novice races will be divided taking the number of races to 10.
With the new 72-hour declarations, the final fields will be confirmed on Friday.
Richard Fahey (right), the leading trainer at the track, has 33 entries.
“I don’t know how many of mine will get in,” he said. “We’ll have to see but we’ll make a load more entries tomorrow for Wednesday and start planning what’s likely to get in and go where.
“It sounds silly but the whole yard is starting to buzz with the entries being made.
“We worked a load of horses this morning and the lads and horses all seem happy.”
Mark Johnston, an unfortunate sufferer of the coronavirus, also has numerous entries.
Newmarket trainers, including John Gosden, also have an abundance of entries.
Gosden has entered the once-raced and promising Frankly Darling who is expected to be partnered by Frankie Dettori.
Superstar mare Enable made a winning debut at Newcastle in 2016.
Despite the eagerly awaited resumption of racing, the BHA is yet to get the green light from the Government. A BHA spokesman said: “We will continue to liaise with the Government this week regarding their plans for the publication of guidance regarding resumption of sporting events behind closed doors, and the move to Step 2 of their coronavirus recovery strategy, in anticipation of a return to racing from 1 June.”
Punters will have to wait until June 15 before betting shops will be opened in the UK and June 29 in Ireland, according to Paddy Power. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (5) (8) (3) (6) (4) (2) (1) (7) Star
MAKOTOTONBOKIRI (88) ALYSHKA (75)(V) OSSUN SET (72) BLEUSKY (12)
JEUX DE PRESTIGE (75) AMBOISE MENANTIE (87) NIGHT OF LOVE (15)(D,S) LITTLE QUEENIE (196) Betting: