The British racing calendar received a modicum of clarity-and plenty more uncertainty still-on Tuesday morning with announcements that Britain's first four Classics would be pushed back, and Royal Ascot would take place behind closed doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jockey Club Racecourses confirmed that the Qipco Guineas Festival, originally set for May 2 and 3 and featuring the G1 2000 Guineas and G1 1000 Guineas, and the Investec Derby Festival on June 5 and 6 featuring the G1 Investec Derby and G1 Investec Oaks, would both be pushed back to as-yet undetermined dates. A statement from the Jockey Club Racecourses said a decision on dates would be made upon the resumption of racing, with consideration giving to spacing between the festivals and allowing ample time for prep races.
Ruth Quinn, director of international racing and racing development at the BHA, said, “As a sport we have a responsibility to safeguard the staging of our Classics, and to position them within a sensible, balanced schedule of complementary events wherever possible. We will continue to work together to deliver the optimal outcome within these unprecedented set of circumstances.
“We are developing plans to help ensure that a suitable race programme, for the long-term health of the sport, can be delivered in these challenging times. Naturally one of the key priorities is the staging of the generation-defining races. The plan will adapt depending on when racing recommences, but will aim to ensure that we provide suitable opportunities for the horses most likely to define the future of the Thoroughbred breed if at all possible.”
A statement from Ascot Racecourse Chief Executive Guy Henderson revealed that the course still hopes to stage the Royal meeting in its original June 16 to 20 slot, but that if the event is able to go ahead it will be closed to the public. The statement read in part, “For public health and safety reasons we have reached the difficult but unavoidable conclusion that Royal Ascot 2020 will not be able to take place as an event open to the public. This will of course be a great disappointment for everyone planning to attend. It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors, dependent on Government and public health policy and the approval of the BHA for us to re-start racing. This would be for the benefit of the industry, our valued partners and suppliers and our television audiences at home and internationally. Planning for this is now our complete focus and we will update on progress as and when we can.
“The pandemic will have a significant financial impact on our business in 2020, along with so many others. Nevertheless, Ascot Racecourse will come through this crisis and we look forward to being able to welcome racegoers back when it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, our thoughts are with all those grieving and suffering as a result of COVID-19. We offer heartfelt thanks to our wonderful NHS staff, key workers and volunteers for all their selfless dedication.”
Ascot Racecourse confirmed that it is also leaving its May Racing Weekend (May 8 and 9) on the calendar as is, but that it will be closed to the public.
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