Racing in a pandemic has not been easy. Let’s take a look at how the recovery in racing is going around the world. (Photo credit: focusonracing).
It has certainly been a difficult year for sporting events across the world, with racing experiencing many of its own ups and downs. Following the races at Cheltenham way back at the start of the year that seems like a distant memory now, many races have taken place but mostly without any fans in attendance – but how has horse racing shaped up around the world?
The UK
Across England, Ireland, and Scotland, racing had managed to find a return quite early with many of the key races throughout the year able to go ahead without much disruption. Although fans weren’t able to attend many of the races this year, despite hopes that pilot events could see many return a few months ago.
Many were treated to a little more racing, as events such as the Ascot ran at an increased capacity to fill some extra gaps. With the new year, it looks as if steps are being taken to bring sporting events back to normal, depending on how cases are handled, as UK racing is looking to move from strength to strength once again. With the new tiered approach set to take place over the Christmas period, there may be a strange overlap for some too. This will be depending on where races take place in the country, there may be opportunities for fans to attend in certain counties but not in others, which will inevitably lead to further disruption in UK racing.
The US
America found little disruption to horse racing as a whole, as the biggest events such as the Triple Crown were able to go ahead, largely with fan attendance, throughout the year. Whilst there had been some adjustments to scheduling, there had been little to disrupt many of the events with only very few cancellations. The pandemic did have an impact on the ability for some competitors to travel, where they may have otherwise done so. Although it seems there may be little change here, as the virus is still rampant across the US which may deter any international travellers from taking the risk.
The Gulf
The UAE has become a home for many different sporting events throughout this year, as strict controls had been placed to limit the spread of the virus, and this has been great for racing as a whole in the region. There have been a number of races over the past few days alongside future events that will go ahead, without disruption and some with fans in attendance. International fans are able to become more involved as punters through sites listed at bet-tx too, and with many of us being stuck at home the appeal to seek out races perhaps further afield has certainly become more interesting.
It has also allowed areas such as Gulf racing to become more popular in other markets such as the US and UK, where it may have otherwise seemed a little more obscure. As well as opportunities for certain prospects to consider racing in some of these international events.
There’s still a long way to go, and whilst there will be a slow down in racing over the Christmas period the new year will certainly hold its own challenges. It certainly look as if racing is finding a huge recovery and could become one of the first to find a larger return to normal.
