Nic seeks a new club as long stint ends on Zoom

HORSE racing has moved a step closer to resuming following the publication by the British Horseracing Authority of a new fixture list for June, July and August.

There are fewer meetings than originally scheduled for the period due to financial constraints.

The fixtures, which will take place behind closed doors with only the participants and officials in attendance, will start on Monday at Newcastle providing the UK Government gives approval as part of its latest coronavirus guidance. The 1000 and 2000 Guineas are scheduled for June 6 and 7 at Newmarket.

In the published fixture list, no meetings in Wales are currently listed. This is because the Welsh Government has yet to move to the Amber stage of its postlockdown strategy which would potentially allow meetings to take place.

A decision about moving to Amber is expected very soon and therefore, fixtures for Welsh courses have been reserved by the BHA and dates will be announced as soon as the Welsh Government gives approval.

Like the rest of society, racing is adapting to operating in the ‘ new normal’ and very strict health protocols will be in place when racing does resume. Medical questionnaires, temperature testing and social distancing are just some of the measures that will be standard.

The guidelines have been developed in consultation with Public Health England and a group of cross-sport Chief Medical officers and drawn up under the direction of the BHA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jerry Hill.

The key principle is to act in line with government policy to protect those working and competing at meetings, and to reassure the wider community that the risks of spreading coronavirus have been kept to a minimum.

Last weekend was due to be the Kaiser Chiefs Race Night at Ffos Las, an event which was proving to be very popular prior to being cancelled with an attendance of more than 8,000 people forecast. The show has been rearranged for the same Bank Holiday weekend in 2021 – Saturday, May 29 – and tickets are on sale from the Ffos Las website.

If anyone has queries about the impact of the coronavirus on fixtures at Ffos Las, please e-mail info@ffosracecourse.com