The Resumption of Racing Group has suggested that the 1000 and 2000 Guineas trials will be held on the second last weekend in May, for the UK racing classic fixtures with Nell Gwyn, Fred Darling, Greenham and Craven Stakes all slated to take place along with the Pavilion Stakes, which is a prep event for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
It comes as the Group outlines a reshuffle in the Flat season’s fixture to accommodate the running of Classic fixture and key three-year-old events.
Under the proposal, two stellar weekends of Classic trials could take place at the end of May in the “best-case scenario” planning for the resumption of racing.
It is anticipated that the new fixture will be published next week in conjunction with a subgroup of the Flat Pattern Committee assisting in the new program proposal.
? “It sounds fantastic, anything to try and lift the mood and get the nation going”
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 3, 2020
Like all of us, @RogerCharlton is excited by the potential bumper fixtures ahead. #LuckOnSunday
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It is understood a preference will be given to the Classics given the weight of their success has heavy emphasis on future of breeding. It could see Classic trials over a two-day period on the weekend.
Older horses have not been left out as the group looks to engage the Brigadier Gerard, Sagaro, Pinnacle and Aston Park Stakes – all Group Three contests – on the raceday cards.
The Group One Lockinge is set to be the main event on the final weekend of May, with the Dante and Musidora – traditional Derby and Oaks trials – due to be run alongside the Yorkshire Cup.
The provisional plan for the first weekend of June includes the 1000 and 2000 Guineas.
Under the “best-case scenario planning”, Royal Ascot is still scheduled to take place in its existing slot, beginning on June 16, with the Derby and the Oaks held in early July.
As is with any predicted classic fixture shuffle, it would mean the traditional venue for some races will be shifted to another racetrack. It is also suggested that races will be restricted to British-trained runners until at least May 30.
France has already implemented a policy whereby it will not allow foreign horses to race until at least June 1. Germany has also enacted the same policy.
The BHA has made it clear racing will only resume when given the go-ahead by the government.
British horse racing schedule read more
Ralph Beckett weighs in on Britain’s return to racing plan read more.
It’s a waiting game for Britain’s leading female jockey read more.
