York’s Dante Festival cancelled amidst BHA Covid-19 suspension

York's Dante meeting is the latest Covid-19 casualty.

FLAT racing is to remain suspended indefinitely – and next month’s Dante meeting at York called off – as the Government moves to prolong the coronavirus lockdown.

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The British Horseracing Authority had been hoping that some meetings could resume behind closed doors on May 1 at a select number of venues.

But they now accept this is not possible – and no spectators will be able to attend any meeting until June at the earliest.

The last race meeting took place at Wetherby on March 17. Photo: Bruce Rollinson.

The more conciliatory tone came after the Government was taken aback by racing’s apparent haste – notably the senior Ascot executive who ventured on national radio that its flagship Royal meeting could still go ahead in June even though no guarantees about combating the Covid-19 could be offered.

And while BHA chief executive Nick Rust, who lives in North Yorkshire, hopes racing can restart in May, he is not committing the governing body to a date.

“We stopped racing in March to protect the health and safety of the public and to limit demands on the NHS,” he stressed.

“It’s right to continue this suspension until the pressure on the NHS allows for a resumption and we can assure the safety of those taking part.

Officials at York have called off their four meetings in May.

“We are in touch with government as part of our development of a responsible, co-ordinated plan for the return of sport when it’s appropriate to do so.”

He added: “For now, we are all focused on supporting the national effort, maintaining social distancing restrictions and taking care of our people and our horses.”

The BHA confirmed earlier this month that the first four Classics of 2020 – the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Newmarket followed by the Oaks and Derby and Epsom – were being pushed in the calendar.