Spring Romance winning at Nottingham last year
UK RACING looks a “certainty” to resume in June, if bookmakers’ odds are anything to go by with the exchanges going 1/7 that racing will resume before 1st July.
There was quiet optimism that we could be back on the road maybe before 1st June but with the Prime Minister announcing that sporting events could be held behind closed doors from the beginning of next month, that optimism looks to have been dealt a rather hefty blow.
What is encouraging is that the BHA has this initial seven-day plan of racing comprising one meeting on the first day and two meetings for days two to seven and that plan can be rolled out as soon as the Government gives the go-ahead.
The 50-page guidance document issued by the Government today comprised three stages for the country to ease out of lock down. Step two of its strategy includes “permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact”.
Richard Hughes
Former three-times champion jockey and trainer, Richard Hughes commented: “It would be safer to go to Lingfield Park than Hyde Park and it will be policed. I can’t see what is stopping a resumption. It may be a sport for some but for those in racing it’s an industry.
“It’s worked behind closed doors in other countries and the limited number of people going to the tracks would take their responsibilities very seriously. Everybody wants racing to get going and work safely.”
Richard’s comments seem very fair and it’s difficult to argue with the logic. This pandemic and the Government’s response to it is a very fluid situation. Let’s hope the data improves during the coming days and racing can get the green light before 1st June.
Interestingly, the odds on a resumption of UK racing on or before 1st June are now 4/7 on the exchanges. Does somebody know something I don’t…?
