The coronavirus pandemic has meant that horse racing and sport in general has ground to a halt but racing likely be returning within the coming months. (Photo credit: Royal Ascot Racecourse).
The coronavirus pandemic has meant that horse racing and sport in general has ground to a halt. Endless meetings have been cancelled, jobs have been lost and life as we know it has changed. However, it does appear that improvements are being made and sport will likely be returning within the coming months.
There has been a number of tracks in the US that have remained open, with racing continuing behind closed doors. This is something that is likely to be implemented around the world, before the doors are opened for large gatherings of spectators to arrive at racecourses and sporting events in general.
France has been another nation badly affected by the pandemic but have now return with racing. This is despite French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, stating that sport would not be restarting in the country until at least September. Horse racing in France is one of the best sports to return, with others now likely to follow. Longchamp being at the forefront of this, with the courses set to host the racing behind closed doors as expected.
The UK is another that has seen some of the worst numbers around the world from the pandemic, which has meant endless racing fixtures cancelled. This of course also includes the Grand national, which was a major shock. The Cheltenham festival was given the green light, as it took place in the very early stages of the pandemic. In hindsight, many believe this was a mistake, with the course seeing vast numbers of attendees on each day.
Racing in Britain Nearing Return
Racing in Britain is another that appears to be nearing a return, with some positive recent meetings with the government. May 15th appeared the date that appeared most likely for the restart of racing, but the BHA have been holding off on an announcement, as it is left to the government to announce this news to the general public. This has now been put back and the start of June now looks most likely. That has also led to good news for Royal Ascot going ahead, with punters set to use offers at bet-bonus-codes.co.uk, to support the event.
There have already been a number of hugely important fixtures that have been postponed within the UK and none more so than the Guineas. The BHA stated that a ‘best case scenario’, could see this month include races such as the Craven, Lockinge and the Dante stakes, with the first of the meetings starting on May 23rd. Newmarket would then look to host the Guineas meetings on the first weekend of June, which is so important for the classic generation and their careers in general. This has again been put back and all are likely to take place in June.
It also sets up for an interesting period ahead, as to if and when racing will return across the different countries around the world.
