BHA confirms UK horseracing suspension set to continue beyond May
Authority recommends racing with crowds will not be possible until June at the earliest
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said the suspension of UK horseracing will continue until May but could be delayed beyond this point as the UK’s coronavirus lockdown is extended.
No new date for resumption of racing has been confirmed, but the BHA reaffirmed its support for a phased return of the sport later in the year.
However, the BHA has said UK horseracing can only resume with government approval.
The government is expected to extend the current coronavirus lockdown as well as social distancing measures for at least another three weeks later today.
“Because of the very strong likelihood that restrictions on mass gatherings will continue, the BHA has decided that racing with crowds will not be possible until June at the earliest,” the BHA said.
Under the BHA’s Covid-19 emergency plan, all racing will take place behind closed doors initially, with flat racing scheduled to resume on 1 May.
As a result of the delayed start to the jump racing season, more jump racing fixtures will be included within the sport’s traditional break periods of August and September.
Tracks capable of holding jump racing in this period and most affected by the reduction in the number of jump fixtures will be given priority when scheduling additional races.
The Covid-19 plan was agreed in concert with the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the Racecourse Association (RCA).
BHA CEO Nick Rust said it was right to continue the suspension until the pressure on the NHS abates and the safety of racing participants can be guaranteed.
“We’ll continue to develop a range of options drawing on the expertise of our participants and racecourses. But for now, we are all focused on supporting the national effort, maintaining social distancing restrictions and taking care of our people and our horses,” Rust added.