English trainer Ralph Beckett believes racing in Britain will be ready to resume behind closed doors should it be given the go-ahead.
Beckett, who is National Trainers Federation Flat committee chairman, believes correct measures are being taken to protect against coronavirus by the National Health System (NHS), allowing for Flat racing to be in a position to resume as it is safe to do so.
A letter was sent to stakeholders on Friday by the newly-formed Resumption of Racing Group outlining plans for a phased-in return, most likely behind closed doors and starting with Flat racing only, from May 1.
The plan says any easing of the Covid-19 situation, and any associated restrictions and pressures on medical services, will also happen progressively and with every caution.
All forms of Racing in Britain were suspended at the recommendation of the British Horseracing Authority on March 18 until at least the end of April in a bed to stem the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic at the advice of the British Government.
“My personal view is that it is achievable and until we’re told we can’t – I’m hopeful,” Beckett said.
“I can’t go into too much detail, but there is a fairly straightforward action plan and we just need to get the details right.
“They are performing statistical analysis into the racecourses which are furthest away from the epicentre and would therefore be the safest to race at and are less likely to put a strain on the NHS.”
Beckett believes with the Resumption of Racing Group offering a possible date for racing to return, it will encourage owners to keep horses in training during the lockdown period.
Furthermore, he is hopeful owners will not act hastily and move horses out of British stables to international homes.
“If people can’t see light at the end of the tunnel, it is very difficult for them to pay for their horses in training,” Ralf Beckett added.
“I feel it was important for people to know that there is a plan going on already, with that date in mind for a resumption of racing.
“The situation is changing all the time and who knows what will happen in three weeks, but from my point of view we will be racing.
“If it is handled in the right manner, which it should be, and we start racing on that date, then the Guineas won’t be missed and we can still get the majority of the program in and done.”
Britain’s racing return: Guineas in June,Derby and Oaks in July.
