Derby organisers hoping for a behind-closed-doors date in July
Epsom is "exploring the feasibility and practicality" of a one-day Derby meeting behind closed doors.
Jockey Club Racecourses, the track's owner, has submitted an application to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council concerning permission to hold the Derby and Oaks on the same day in either July or August, along with restricting access to the site.
A provisional date of July 4 has been put forward, but the application also asks for flexibility, with a Saturday in July orAugustmentionedasnodate has yet been set for a resumption of racing after the coronavirus shutdown.
WhiletheDownsareowned by Epsom, there are public footpaths and bridleways and the application asks for access tocertainareastoberestricted for 24 hours in order to meet therequirementsforabehindclosed-doors card.
Temporary fencing and barriers along with additional security would form an exclusionzone,withJCRalsooutlining its ongoing dialogue with local police. The application is duetobediscussedatacouncil meeting on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for Epsom said: "We are exploring the feasibility and practicality of stagingtheInvestecDerbyand InvestecOaksattheracecourse with no crowd present, given their importance to the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries. This is part of the racing industry's resumption planning,whichwillbeguided fully by the Government, local authorities and delivery partners."
*Racing in Germany will restart in Hanover today after beinggivenclearancefromthe authorities.
The sport has been on hold since March, but Deutscher Galopp had planned to restart the action on Monday at Dortmund,withnospectators and strict hygiene measures in place. However, a meeting had to be cancelled as the necessary approvals were not given, but Deutscher Galopp president Michael Vesper has reported everything to be in place for racing to resume at Hanover.
He said: "We are relieved andgratefultoauthoritiessuch as the racing club that people in racing companies can now go back to work."
A press release added: "The races,whichhavenotbeencarried out since March 15, will be resumed in Hanover today, in strict compliance with the association's hygiene and clearance concept, which the authorities have deemed appropriate."