BHA Extends Racing Suspension: News broke on Wednesday afternoon that the BHA moved to suspend racing indefinitely with no date set for its return.
The headline sounds dramatic, but in reality, the situation hasn’t changed. Racing was never able to resume without the UK government lifting the current restrictions. Until those restrictions on movement are lifted racing can’t go ahead and with so much uncertainty around the BHA were left with no option but to not give an expected date for the return to action.
Nick Rust, BHA chief executive, said: “We stopped racing in March to protect the health and safety of the public and to limit demands on the NHS. It’s right to continue this suspension until the pressure on the NHS allows for a resumption and we can assure the safety of those taking part.
“We are in touch with government as part of our development of a responsible, coordinated plan for the return of sport when it’s appropriate to do so.
“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.”
We have heard plans of a return to racing in regional hubs, with the likes of Newcastle, Lingfield and Newmarket discussed to host fixtures. All-weather tracks with hotels are currently the front runners.
Although racing won’t be returning on May 1st as originally planned, the signs are promising around the world. In reality, racing in the UK was highly unlikely on May 1st with late May or early June seemingly the worldwide target. Racing authorities in France and South Africa have already drawn up plans to return in May, while Ireland closed schools a lot sooner than the UK and could return in May also. The Racing community in every country must wait until they are given the all-clear from the government and setting dates isn’t something authorities can do at the moment. All we can do is wait.
