Despite reports on Friday that an eleventh-hour rebuke from the French government would delay a return to racing, France Galop have today announced they have been given the green light to resume on Monday at Paris Longchamp.
France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild took to twitter Friday night to confirm that the racing industry had been given the green light to recommence.
“I wanted to win this race more than any of the others. Together we did it! Resumption of races is accepted. Let’s show them that they were right!” he said.
France Galop has been able to satisfy the French government along with health officials of its protocols and process for racing to resume behind closed doors as the industry returns to competition on May 11 – the same day French President Emmanuel Macron flagged the country’s lockdown laws will be relaxed.
? Resumption of horse racing in France confirmed for May 11 after government gives green light ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/XpJpBVvJxe
— France Galop (@francegalop) May 9, 2020
Rothschild also praised the French prime minister and minister of agriculture, as well as former presidential candidate Francois Bayrou and the mayor of Deauville, Philippe Augier.
There will be four Group races on the cards while regional racing in Compiegne and Toulouse will also take place.
Epsom officials want Derby and Oaks on same day read more.
