Horses trained outside Britain will only be allowed to run in the three Group 1 races during the opening fortnight of the delayed British Flat season. All other races in Britain during the first weeks of the season will be closed to international runners following the planned resumption on June 1.
In an update released on Friday evening, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced that it will allow horses from overseas to run in the Coronation Cup (June 5), 2000 Guineas (June 6) and 1000 Guineas (June 7).
It read, “Following further discussion with the Flat Pattern Committee, as well as France and Ireland, and in the light of the rapidly developing situation internationally, the BHA has today clarified the policy regarding foreign-trained runners following the resumption of racing, which British racing is currently planning to take place behind closed doors from 1 June. These discussions have been held against the backdrop of an overriding desire to see racing resume in Britain as soon as possible, with all the necessary protocols in place, such that we can ensure that racing can continue and ultimately revert to its pre-agreed programme.
“Should racing resume on this date, it is agreed that protecting ourselves against unnecessary risk in the opening few weeks is a responsible and proportionate approach. As a result, foreign-trained runners will only be permitted to run in the three Group 1 races taking place in Britain during the first fortnight (Coronation Cup, 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas), in order to help facilitate a safe and smooth resumption. International runners will not be permitted to take part in Group 2, 3 or Listed races during this period, but will be able to participate in all Pattern and Listed races taking place in Britain from 15 June 2020 onwards.
“Furthermore, no internationally-trained horses will be permitted to take part in any races of Class 2 and below until further notice. This step has been taken to help address concerns that with a reduced fixture list in place, the number of eliminations is likely to be a significant issue when racing resumes. This position will be kept under review and revisited as soon as circumstances allow.”
On Friday, a British government spokesman stated that travellers arriving in the UK from France would be required to undertake a 14-day quarantine—a reversal of a previous statement. Travellers from Ireland to the UK will not be quarantined.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
