BHA cancel Guineas entries

THE cancellation of initial entries for both the 2000 Guineas and the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May is the latest repercussion in racing of the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Horseracing Authority last week announced the suspension of fixtures in Britain until the end of April, to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

In their latest update, as well as specifying the new arrangements for entries in this season’s first two Classics, the BHA emphasised it continues to “prioritise working with the industry’s Covid-19 Steering Group and organisations across the racing industry”.

As such, the governing body intend to publish an “overarching operational plan” early next week for ongoing contingencies during the coronavirus outbreak.

Among a number of “regulatory and operational matters” requiring more immediate attention, earlyclosing deadlines have been temporarily suspended.

The BHA confirmed races which were previously designated to be early closers will revert to the normal five or six-day stage as and when racing and resumes – and that this change will affect prizemoney levels, which will be advertised 10 days before each race, with entry fees adjusted accordingly.

The entries for both the 2000 and 1000 Guineas had already closed, but these entries will now be cancelled.

Entries for other races which have already closed – including the Investec Derby at Epsom – will stand, but will be subject to “ongoing review”, which will include prize-money and entry fee levels.

The BHA also reported that a planned consultation into the use of the whip will be postponed and they will delay the implementation of any changes to apprentice and conditional jockey training agreements – which were originally due to come into force on Saturday.

All hunter chases for the remainder of the 2019/20 season have also been cancelled.

Meanwhile, an extension to Musselburgh’s current licence, which was due to expire on March 31, has been approved by the BHA board.