The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) is considering a plan for re-opening its COVID-19-shuttered industry on a limited basis by May 1. It’s a big decision that still has plenty of administrative hurdles yet to jump. But if it comes to fruition, it could have Britons watching and wagering on horse racing for the first time since March 17.
The plan, so far, is for the BHA’s COVID-19 Racing Industry Group which had already transitioned itself into the Resumption of Racing Group to come up with a plan to see what getting racing back in business would actually look like. This is no small feat given the fact that the UK has banned public gatherings of more than two people. That plan will then be submitted to the larger BHA for full consideration and submission to public authorities.
Like every industry impacted by the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown, the British horse racing business is hemorrhaging cash during the lockdown. According to the UK Guardian, the shutdown of British horse racing is costing the industry something in the neighborhood of £6 million ($7.53 million USD) a month. That number is likely to spike, however, as major festivals and springtime events are cancelled.
Though few confirmed details are available as to what a horse racing re-opening will look like, a few names of tracks that are under consideration for limited racing were reported by the Guardian and include Newcastle and Lingfield. The idea is that races would likely take place without live audiences, while jockeys would be sequestered in nearby hotels. None of these ideas are particularly far-fetched given the fact that horse racing is continuing in some parts of the world where simply exercising the horses is considered to be an essential activity.
More information on the BHA’s plans is expected to be announced on Wednesday.