HORSERACING
HOrSErACING can present a strong case for being one of the first sports to return under restrictions. It is a non- contact sport, with racecourses offering large sites allowing social distancing. flat horses have been kept ticking over ready to resume.
racing in Australia, Hong Kong and some parts of the uS has continued and restarts have been pencilled in for Germany (May 1) and france (May 11).
The resumption of racing Group has drawn up a range of models but there will be no jump racing until July 1 at the earliest. The most restricted plan involves racing being staged at tracks with hotels — Lingfield and Newcastle possibly — with jockeys and officials staying on site while each races over a series of days.
Newmarket, with a horse and jockey population on its doorstep, has also figured.
Ways to test jockeys are still being finalised with BHA chief medical officer Jerry Hill expected to speak to Government officials this week. Medical staff and ambulance support will primarily be sourced from the private sector.
In Australia, the weighing room routine has been dispensed with and riders are being kept apart or changing in small groups.
Inexperienced riders will not be able to take part, to reduce the risks of accidents. No owners will be allowed on track to start with. It will be a groom and trainer or his representative per horse.
It is hoped three meetings a day can be staged. field sizes will be limited to 12 runners but there could be 10 race cards operating seven days a week.
Provisional plans have been made to run the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at the start of June and the Derby and Oaks in July, possibly on the same day. royal Ascot behind closed doors, starting on June 16, is still the plan while the season will be extended.
Prizemoney will be reduced — it has been halved in Australia — because there is no gate money or hospitality spend.
But with 70 per cent of bets now placed online, the sport will be earning levy when it returns. Broadcast cameras will be allowed at tracks but presenter numbers could be limited, with punditry done from a studio.