ROYAL ASCOT is currently still on schedule to begin as planned on Tuesday 16 June although behind closed doors and with some change to the order of races.
Following the Government’s announcement that no sporting events would take place before 1st June, the BHA’s flat pattern committee revised its original schedule published on 1st May. So, the current plan is for the first two Classics, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas to take place during the first weekend in June on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th respectively.
The third and fourth Classics of the season, the Derby and Oaks will be run on the same day, Saturday 4 July while the Eclipse has is now scheduled for Sunday 5 July.
Regarding the Royal meeting, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot said: “The important thing is that the race planning around Royal Ascot reflects the unusual circumstances in which it’s going to be run.
“We must be mindful of the wider public health situation in June but we should still plan to go ahead and put together a Pattern that reflects the requirements of those involved in the sport. It will be different but will still absolutely be recognisable as Royal Ascot.”
It is anticipated that there will be 2yo races at the meeting, although the fields will inevitably comprise mostly very inexperienced horses. There are provisions for novice and conditions races during the first week of June to allow horses to gain at least some experience prior to the royal meeting.
It is currently 4/7 that Royal Ascot will go ahead on 16 June, with the market having turned on its head in recent days.
Firstly, let’s get racing on the road with a bread and butter meeting. To that end, Chelmsford is putting itself forward as a lively contender to host a meeting as soon as the Government gives the go ahead with proposals for quick turn around on-site testing facilities.
