The team behind France Galop remains hopeful of resuming racing behind closed doors in May.
Just last month racing went ahead without spectators before France Galop was forced into suspending all meetings at the advice of the French government for one month between March 17 and April 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While today would’ve been the resumption date, French President Emmanuel Macron has extended the country’s lockdown until May 11, meaning France’s return date too has been pushed back to comply with government policy.
Although France Galop and LeTROT, which is the governing body of trotting racing, are hopeful of striking a deal with French authorities to get racing underway behind closed doors given its contribution to the nation and the thousands of personnel it provides employment to.
A statement from France Galop said “we are in a discussion with the government authorities to explore the possibility of a return to racing behind closed doors as quickly as possible,”
“Before horse racing was suspended, the industry had shown its ability to organise meetings behind closed doors whilst maintaining an excellent level of risk prevention of spreading the virus.
“In the context of racing behind closed doors, access to the racecourse had been strictly limited to a minimum of professionals who are essential for the organisation of a race meeting.
“Also, since the beginning of the lockdown, training activities at the different training centres in Paris and in the provinces, have been carried out in the strictest conformity with the instructions and rules of social distancing.”
They will be required to navigate major issues associated with a return, particularly around wagering with PMU cafes, the main betting locations in the country, closed and unlikely to open when initial restrictions are lifted.
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