Behind closed doors

Irish racing will continue behind closed doors despite coronavirus restrictions being maintained, the Irish Government announced on Wednesday. Only professional, elite sports, horse racing, greyhound racing and approved equestrian events are permitted to continue in this fashion, with no other matches or events allowed at this time. Racing in Ireland resumed on June 8, but owners have only been allowed briefly in September. The ban on UK travel continues until midnight on Friday, Jan. 8, and beginning on Jan. 9, all passengers coming from the UK will be required to...

Racing in the UK will continue behind closed doors, as new national lockdowns begin at midnight on Jan. 5. Cases of coronavirus are rising in both countries and their respective governments have imposed new COVID restrictions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson cited the rising death toll in the past seven days and the new coronavirus variant that is widespread in the UK as the primary reasons for a third lockdown, which is expected to last until mid-February. The BHA confirmed that racing will continue without fans and with only essential...

France Galop has confirmed that racing will be allowed to continue in the country during the new lockdown which came into force at midnight on Thursday. The action will return to being staged behind closed doors with only key personnel allowed to attend. The trainer and one member of staff per runner will be permitted but owners and spectators are no longer allowed to be present at race meetings in France. The current restrictions are expected to be in place for at least a month. A statement released by the...