The British Horseracing Authority over the next week will draw up a provisional programme for the first seven days of racing's resumption, with that resumption date yet to be determined. In a release on Thursday, the BHA said it will then publish the remainder of the provisional programme up until the end of June. Racecourses were this week invited to submit expressions of interest to stage fixtures upon racing's return, which will help with the development of the provisional programme.
Racing's resumption will be based on a phased approach, and the early phases will include racing behind closed doors. To be granted meetings tracks will need to be able to adhere to strict biosecurity and social distancing measures. All locations will need to adhere to stringent medical and risk mitigation protocols to the satisfaction of BHA Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Jerry Hill, who is part of a working group of medical advisers from major sports that is meeting with the UK Culture Secretary and Public Health England officials to discuss the principles around the safe resumption of sport.
Other measures to be taken in the early phases of resumption include the restriction of race riding to jockeys who claim a maximum of three pounds; limitation of field sizes to 12 runners; considerations to help more horses become eligible for a handicap rating after two runs; the use of non-standard handicap bands, with at lower levels two pounds between the tops of the bands (and three to five pounds over longer distances); and a later start to the nursery programme. The BHA also noted that it is aiming to restart jump racing in early July, and that “the aim is to save a number of pattern and listed events from early spring by rescheduling them, ideally around the second half of May.” Classics will be given priority, with the big races for older horses scheduled around them.
The release also noted that BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps and Chief Executive Nick Rust last week met with UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston to discuss racing's plans for resumption and the wider impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The Minister is reportedly aware of and supports racing's efforts while acknowledging that any restart would be subject to advice of public health authorities and could not apply undue pressure on medical services and available testing.
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