Schools will reopen on Mar. 8, but grassroots sport will not begin prior to Mar. 29, along with larger groups being allowed to gather in parks and gardens. Johnson is planning on crowds back at sports venues no earlier than May 17.

Racing has taken place behind closed doors in England since it resumed in June with the exception of a few pilot events and a few cards prior to the holiday season. Owners were on-course this past summer beginning in July, but have also not been able to attend since the latest lockdown started.

Outdoor venues and outdoor events will be limited to 4,000 people or half-full, whichever is lower, while indoor events are capped at 50% capacity or 1,000, whichever is lower. Special provision for large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely disbursed are limited to 10,000 people or 25% of total seated capacity, whichever is lower. However, pilots events will be held to examine how such events can take place without the need for social distancing, using other mitigation efforts such as testing, the Government said. The earliest date capacity limits could be removed is on June 21, two days after the end of Royal Ascot.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) made the following statement regarding the UK Government's roadmap out of COVID-19:

“On behalf of British racing and all those who work in our industry, we very much welcome the government's announcement today of a roadmap for the removal of the current COVID restrictions.

“The whole sport has worked hard to abide by our race-day protocols to allow racing to continue behind closed doors and support the many livelihoods that depend on our industry. British racing's classification as an elite sport made this possible. But we do miss owners and we do miss spectators whose presence at meetings contributes so much to the thrill of our sport.

“We have already introduced additional measures to reduce the risks of transmission of the virus and have further options under consideration. We will now engage with government to highlight our ability to move beyond the current limitation on essential staff only as soon as that is possible and allow the return of owners.

“Racing continues to benefit from the incredible loyalty shown by owners. We will clarify as soon as possible when they can return to race-meetings, and when amateurs can resume riding.

“The government has also published details today on the potential timings for the return of spectators to elite sport.  We have further discussions with officials scheduled which will enable us to draw up specific proposals for race meetings, including potential pilot events. We also expect to hear further details of the plans for Scotland and Wales which are not covered by today's announcement.

“Whilst the publication of dates is a very positive sign, the absence of spectators from our big events is continuing to put a strain on racing's revenues. This has been exacerbated by the closure of betting shops. Our financial discussions with government are ongoing.”

A statement from the Racecourse Association was released later in the day which read: “The RCA welcomes the announcement made by the Prime Minister outlining the route map out of national lockdown and a timeline for the safe return of spectators to major outdoor events.

“We will continue to work closely with our member racecourses, Government and relevant health and safety authorities to ensure that racegoers are amongst the first sports fans to safely return and enjoy a day's racing.”

The post UK Spectators to Return No Earlier Than Mid-May appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The Racecourse Owners Association (ROA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are continuing to work with racecourses to ensure that the raceday is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, as the tier system enables an easing of restrictions guarding against the coronavirus. Please note that Scotland and Wales are awaiting guidance on the return of spectators. For more information, go to www.britishhorseracing.com.

The post UK Spectator Guidelines Released by BHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“It’s back to racing behind closed doors so level three, which means it will only be essential workers allowed,” said Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh. “We’re back to the situation we were in a month ago, but the good news is racing can continue and will continue, which is great.”

The post Owners Again Banned From Irish Courses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh told Racing Post, “We have said all along that owners are the first priority and there is a strong sense that, when the time comes, there has to be more than just a gesture in getting owners back on to the track.

“We have to do right by them. The difficulty is the constantly changing situation with this virus meaning the government has not been able to up the gatherings of people at an outdoor event from 200 to 500 and we have said all along that we would mirror the government’s phasing. Owners are foremost in our minds but we are regrettably still involved in a battle with this virus and restrictions are tightening, not loosening.”

The post Owners Remain Barred From Irish Courses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

BHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jerry Hill has requested all participants and racecourse attendees to follow the following three steps to help keep everyone safe:

• Follow all the social distancing requirements when you attend racing, whether you’re in the ‘green zone’ for participants or the owners’ area.
• Do not cross from one zone to another, as this weakens the controls and could lead to many more people being quarantined if there is a positive case, as well as risking people’s health.
• Please let the BHA’s Medical Team (medical@britishhorseracing.com) know if there’s a positive case so they can liaise with the public health authorities to manage the NHS Test & Trace process with the minimum impact. Dr. Hill can offer advice to employers, which can limit the effects on their business whilst keeping staff safe.

The BHA also reminded all racing personnel that the reason restrictions have not been further eased, is that the specific government guidance for elite sport applies to racing, whereas these same restrictions would not be applied to local businesses, like the local pub. Public health authorities have also made it clear to the BHA that they will consider a 14-day quarantine period for all racecourse attendees in the same zone as someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

For more information on the latest resumption of racing update, go to www.britishhorseracing.com.

The post Spectatorless Racing to Continue in UK appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post