UK RACING OFF AND RUNNING
ENGLISH racing will today offer a beacon of hope after months of nationwide gloom when it becomes the first sport in Britain to emerge from coronavirus lockdown.
Criticised for pressing ahead with the Cheltenham Festival as the pandemic took hold in March, racing now finds itself in the news in an altogether more positive light.
It returns at Newcastle with a surreal feel, with no spectators to watch the 10 flat races restricted to 12 runners per contest; and trainers, jockeys and grooms wearing masks.
There will be none of the usual celebratory hugs or shake of the hands between jockeys and trainers as social distancing officers will be on hand to ensure people stay two metres apart.
However, leading flat trainer Hugo Palmer said morale at his Kremlin Cottage Stables in Newmarket has been high due to the “sunniest spring for years” but admits it might have dipped had racing “not been around the corner”.
The genial Englishman, who established himself among the top rank with champion miler Galileo Gold in 2016, says racing resuming for the first time since March 17 is a “tremendous opportunity” for the sport.
“There is precious little else to watch, although it coincides with the day the government allows more people to meet outside,” Palmer said.
“My mother would have been furious if she caught me watching TV on a sunny day!
“However, we have to hope people will stay inside and watch the racing. It is a real opportunity to pick up new followers.”