FEAST ON TV

A 21-race extravaganza on our screens next week

PUNTERS at last received some good news as ITV announced a blockbuster 21-race return to the nation’s screens next weekend.

There has been no network coverage of racing since ITV’S cameras covered the behind-closeddoors fixture at Thurles on March 21.

But the sport is back – with a bang.

The Group 1 Coronation Cup is among four races from Newmarket on ITV4 next Friday (1.30-4pm), while the Derby and Oaks trials feature among three heats from Lingfield Park.

Tomorrow week, the main channel hosts another Magnificent Seven as the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas forms the centrepiece of four races, in addition to three from Newcastle, including the Sagaro Stakes.

And it’s another case of Seventh Heaven the following afternoon, with the 1,000 Guineas one of a Fab Four from Newmarket, and a further trio from Haydock, including the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.

“It’s a case of famine to feast overnight,” said Ed Chamberlin, right, who will lead the presentation team from his home ‘studio’.

“It hardly bears saying that, in the grand scheme of things, horseracing is a triviality when one sees the tragedy and hardship endured as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“But sport can play an important role in bringing joy to people’s lives – and right now racing has the landscape to itself. It’s an unbelievable window in which to sell the thrill.” Chamberlin will be joined by Francesca Cumani and Jason Weaver – all based at home – with commentator Richard Hoiles in an offsite booth. Meanwhile, racing took a step forward towards the ‘green light’ required for its resumption on Monday - when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced further easing to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions yesterday.

Declaring the five tests required for additional relaxation have been met, Johnson, who did not address the issue of professional sport, said: “The result is that we can move forward with adjusting the lockdown in England on Monday.” Final 72-hour declarations for Gosforth Park’s comeback card will be made this

morning.