Jump racing suspension is extended ‘until at least July 1’

NO JUMP racing will take place in Britain until July 1 at the earliest.

The decision has been taken now to provide National Hunt trainers with some clarity.

Racing has been suspended since Wetherby staged a ‘behind closed doors’ meeting on March 17 – with the 2019-20 season due to have culminated on April 26 when North Yorkshire-based Brian Hughes was to be crowned champion jockey at the bet365 Jump Finale.

Yet, while the whole sport remains in abeyance until the end of the month, the immediate priority will be Flat racing when it is possible to resume the sport on a phased basis.

However, there is an intention to stage extra NH fixtures, if possible, in August and September when jockeys normally have a break from the sport.

The decision has been taken in agreement with the Racehorse Owners Association, Professional Jockeys Association and Racecourse Association.

Richard Wayman, chief operating Officer of the BHA, said: “The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport.

“We are working closely with the horsemen, racecourses and Levy Board to ensure the sport is ready for a resumption of racing at the earliest possible opportunity.

Our planning is progressing well, and it is important that we keep everybody informed as it develops to help them with their own decision-making.

“The plan involves a phased return of racing, as well as increasing the jump programme in late summer and early autumn.

With that in mind, we wanted to ensure that those who own or train jumps horses have a clear picture of how we are planning to proceed in the coming months.

“Additionally, we were keen to minimise the risk of any unnecessary expenditure by confirming that there will be no jump racing before 1st July. This will allow horses to have breaks away from training yards if owners wish them to.”

■ NHS and social care staff will receive 10,000 free tickets for day one of next year’s Randox

Health Grand National Festival at Aintree.

■ The raceday wil be renamed Liverpool’s NHS Day in honour of the dedicated NHS staff and volunteers working to care for Covid-19 patients.

The announcement came on what would have been the opening day of the 2020 National meeting in which Tiger Roll was to attempt to win the world’s greatest steeplechase for the third successive year.