Racing in Deauville
RACING in this country received some good news today when it was announced by France Galop last night that French racing is set to resume behind closed doors on Monday 11 May.
Only a trainer, jockey and one stable groom will be permitted on the racecourse for each runner but it is a welcome resumption of racing in a country which last raced on March 17th, the same day as British racing last took place. Horses and jockeys based outside the country will not be allowed to compete until at least the end of May.
It has yet to be decided on the exact nature of the fixture list and there is still debate going on as to when and where the French Classics will be held. There is hope that the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas will be staged during the first week end in June with the Derby and Oaks in July. These would be a month later than usual.
Racing in Germany could also resume next month behind closed doors with an anticipated date of Monday 4 May following talks between German racing authority, Deutscher Galopp and government officials. Dortmund is being touted as the first racecourse to host racing since it came to a close last month.
As for when racing in Britain will resume, no date has been mooted by the BHA who are waiting upon the Government to give the go-ahead. However, the Resumption of Racing Workstream, a body comprising representatives from the BHA, the ROA, the NTF, the RCA and the Levy Board have been meeting to have plans in place for racing to resume behind closed doors at the earliest opportunity. Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden has said that sports such as racing should be preparing but added words of caution: “We would not expect sporting bodies to act in a way that was not consistent with wider public health guidance that was issued.”
Hopefully, if things continue to improve in the UK, it would be good to think racing might resume during late May/early June.
Stay safe!
