Horse racing’s early resumption is ‘doable’ says Health Secretary Matt Hancock

By Tom Richmond
Published 5th May 2020, 10:09 BST
Updated 5th May 2020, 10:24 BST
Health Secretary Matt Hancock believes it is possible for racing to return.Health Secretary Matt Hancock believes it is possible for racing to return.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock believes it is possible for racing to return. | PA Wire
HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken positively about hopes the resumption of racing in Britain might not be too far away following its suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The last meetings to take place in Britain were at Wetherby and Taunton on March 17, both behind closed doors. The British Horseracing Authority has been making plans for a return when Government is approval is given, with meetings to take place on the Flat and behind closed doors.

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Two high-profile weekends have been pencilled in for Classic trials at the end of May, with the Guineas meeting set to take place on the first weekend in June, should a “best-case scenario” come to fruition.

No National Hunt racing is due to take palce before July 1 and a revised fixture list for both codes is being drawn up after the BHA, and industry leaders, moved last weekto formally cancel all meetings in May and June.

Health secretary, Matt Hancock leaves 10 Downing Street.Health secretary, Matt Hancock leaves 10 Downing Street.
Health secretary, Matt Hancock leaves 10 Downing Street.

Asked about calls to allow Premier League football again next month, Hancock, who also represents Newmarket, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Well, I’m absolutely open to that.

“And horse racing too.

“And, I know that both the Premier League and racing are working on how this might be doable in a safe way.

“But that safety has to be paramount.”

Related topics:Matt HancockBritainGovernmentWetherbyPremier League

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