UK’s return to the track will save livelihoods

The government’s decision to give the green light for top-level competitive sport in England from Monday has been welcomed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which says livelihoods in the multibillionpound industry are threatened.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden outlined stage 3 of the government’s elite and professional sport guidance on Saturday, saying competitive sport can return without spectators under strict health criteria.

British sport has been suspended since March as part of the country’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. There has been no horse racing since March 18 at any of Britain’s 59 courses, but action will resume with a meeting at Newcastle on Monday.

The first major sporting event in Britain since the lockdown will be the classic 2,000

Nick Rust

Guineas flat race next Saturday at Newmarket. Royal Ascot will start on June 16, also without crowds. “This is an important stage towards a complete return for our industry and will help protect livelihoods and businesses,” Nick Rust, the CEO of BHA, said.

“The timing is crucial for the breeding sector and we thank the government and officials at DCMS (department for digital, culture, media and sport) and Public Health England for their assistance in planning a safe return to racing.

“There is still a tough battle ahead before we can get fully back in business but this is a resilient and world-leading industry and we are ready for the task.”

Horse racing will adopt a three-stage screening process to comply with the government guidelines. Those working at the course will undergo medical checks before departure and on arrival, social distancing officials will be in place and no spectators will be allowed.

The Jockey Club said the resumption of horse racing was a huge boost to an industry worth about £4bn.

“The lockdown has been an incredibly hard period for our industry and it will be a long road to recovery,” group CEO Delia Bushell said. /

THERE IS STILL A TOUGH BATTLE AHEAD BEFORE WE CAN GET FULLY BACK IN BUSINESS