Competitive action to resume at Perth – but with no spectators

Plans are being made for racing to recommence at Perth.

Scottish Racing, alongside the BHA, yesterday confirmed the planned resumption of racing at the venue – behind closed doors – on Tuesday July 21, Tuesday August 11 and Sunday August 30.

Perth Racecourse chief executive Hazel Peplinski said: “Perth Racecourse is extremely keen to play its part in the horse racing industry’s collective effort to provide safe sporting enjoyment and to help restart the economy, especially in badly hit rural areas.

“With our first scheduled behindclosed-doors fixture not until July 21, we look forward to learning best practice from our colleagues at Ayr, Musselburgh and Hamilton Park, who will restart earlier, should all go to plan.

“It is exciting to think there could be some competitive action on these three Scottish tracks next month.

“Here at Perth we remain really busy – there has been some remedial work done to the track in these dry conditions and now the planning for mid-July can really begin in earnest.

“There is a long road ahead and we must stay nimble and realise nothing is set in stone, with the reminder by the first minister earlier today to exert extreme caution and patience to avoid undoing all recent progress in controlling the virus.

“However, after such a long time in lockdown, with so much uncertainty, to have some confirmed dates for the intentional restart of some racing – albeit behind closed doors and assuming the permissions from the Scottish Government and BHA – gives us a target to work to and we just need to remain patient and reactive to circumstances.”

The announcement means that Perth’s previously advertised fixtures in July and August are now abandoned.

The first race meeting in Scotland will be held at Ayr on June 22, again subject to government approval.

No racing has taken place in Britain since March 17, although it is hoped action will resume behind closed doors at Newcastle on Monday.

ITV Racing is set for a high-profile return next week, with 21 live races to be screened over three days, beginning at Newmarket and Lingfield on Friday.

It will be the channel’s first broadcast since Thurles in Ireland was shown on March 21.

Seven races will be shown each day and taking centre stage on the first afternoon at Newmarket is the Coronation Cup, followed by the Qipcosponsored 2000 and 1000 Guineas on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Lingfield’s Derby and Oaks trials also feature, while the Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle is another highlight of the Saturday fare and the Brigadier Gerard Stakes will be shown from Haydock on Sunday.