Guineas In June, Derby, And Oaks In July
The British Horse racing Authority (BHA) has today announced a best-case scenario in the anticipation of the racing return with a Guineas meeting in June and the Derby and Oaks proposed for July.
Britain Racing is still on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic which has put on ice the season’s first four Classics.
The British Racing return Group is working to recommend provisional plans with “a phased approach” the most likely scenario in the immediate stages.
The BHA sent communication to industry personnel on Friday evening tateing it was unlikely the entire black-type program would be staged this year.
The Resumption of Racing Group however is working hard to propose multiple options regarding Group 1 races, including the three-year-old Classics.
Royal Ascot at this stage is still scheduled to take place in its usual mid-June slot, which could see Classics falling on both sides of the prestigious meeting.
“Our planning would allow for the Guineas to be run in early June, and the Derby and Oaks in early July, with Royal Ascot still scheduled to take place in its existing slot commencing on June 16,” the BHA said.
“In this scenario, we would also be looking to stage several key Classic trials, and other trial races feeding into Royal Ascot, during the second half of May.”
Inevitably there will be a callendar reshuffle for the principal Group One races for older horses in order to accommodate for the early Classics, and there is a chance that some of those may not be open to three-year-olds this year.
“This outline structure will need to be based on what is collectively best for the thoroughbred and the industry as a whole,” the BHA said.
“And as with the wider race program, it is contingent on external factors and will need to be adapted based on what’s feasible in terms of when racing can commence and in what form.
“With no income from crowds and betting shops possibly remaining closed, there will be a greater reliance on the Levy Board for funding, so fixtures are likely to be limited and prize money impacted.”
Jumps racing is scheduled to recommence on July 1 and the BHA is planning to base those fixtures on the original program.
