Latest from Europe
Courtesy of TDN Europe
The British racing calendar received a modicum of clarity, and plenty more uncertainty still, this week with announcements that Britain’s first four Classics would be pushed back and Royal Ascot would take place behind closed doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jockey Club Racecourses confirmed that the Qipco Guineas Festival, originally set for May 2 and 3 and featuring the G1 2000 Guineas and G1 1000 Guineas, and the Investec Derby Festival on June 5 and 6 featuring the G1 Investec Derby and G1 Investec Oaks, would both be pushed back to as-yet undetermined dates.
A statement from the Jockey Club Racecourses said a decision on dates would be made upon the resumption of racing, with consideration giving to spacing between the festivals and allowing ample time for prep races.
“As a sport we have a responsibility to safeguard the staging of our Classics, and to position them within a sensible, balanced schedule of complementary events wherever possible,” said Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Racing Development at the BHA.
“We will continue to work together to deliver the optimal outcome within these unprecedented set of circumstances.”
“We will continue to work together to deliver the optimal outcome within these unprecedented set of circumstances.” – Ruth Quinn
A statement from Ascot Racecourse Chief Executive Guy Henderson revealed that the course still hopes to stage the Royal meeting in its original June 16 to 20 slot, but that if the event is able to go ahead it will be closed to the public.
“For public health and safety reasons we have reached the difficult, but unavoidable, conclusion that Royal Ascot 2020 will not be able to take place as an event open to the public. This will of course be a great disappointment for everyone planning to attend.
Royal Ascot 2020 will not be able to take place as an event open to the public
“It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors, dependent on Government and public health policy and the approval of the BHA for us to re-start racing.
“The pandemic will have a significant financial impact on our business in 2020, along with so many others. Nevertheless, Ascot Racecourse will come through this crisis and we look forward to being able to welcome racegoers back when it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, our thoughts are with all those grieving and suffering as a result of COVID-19.”
Delays inevitable
The announcement from Jockey Club Racecourses on Tuesday afternoon clarified, up to a point, a view which many within racing already held: that a number of the Classics would not go ahead on their original scheduled dates.
There are 427 Group races and 426 Listed races scheduled on the Flat in Europe this year. Only a handful has been run so far this year, the most recent being the one Group race and one Listed contest on the card at Naas on March 23.
The next day, Ireland followed France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain by bringing a temporary halt to racing while restrictions were imposed on citizens to try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Brian Kavanagh | Image courtesy of Horse Racing Ireland
While horse racing of any sort will be an encouraging sign for the many thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the racing industry, an overview must also be taken with regard to the European Pattern races and, in particular, the sport’s crown jewels, the Classics.
As the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland and chairman of the European Pattern Committee, Brian Kavanagh is not just looking at how racing can eventually be restarted in his home country, but is also liaising with colleagues from other nations.
A key consideration when it comes to the Pattern is the competition between horses from different countries. At present, people are being discouraged from international travel though the breeding season has continued largely uninterrupted.
Latest from the USA
Financial aid
Courtesy of TDN America
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino have revealed that the Stanley E. Fulton Family Foundation is making a commitment of US$2,000,000 (AU$3,258,844) to assist New Mexicans.
Sunland Park | Image courtesy of TDN America
The Stanley E. Fulton Family Foundation was endowed by the long-time owner of Sunland Park, the late Stanley E. Fulton. The gift will go to the All Together NM Fund, which will oversee the distribution of the gift to local charities and food banks in the areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
“I am immensely grateful every single day when I hear stories of generosity and compassion from all across the state as we grapple with this pandemic,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This gift is a significant one and it will make a significant difference in our efforts to shore up local charities and food insecurity amid this crisis.”
Reopening delayed
Churchill Downs will further delay the reopening of its stable areas at both the racetrack and the auxiliary training centre Trackside until April 28. The opening of the 2020 spring meeting, originally scheduled for April 25, has been postponed with the determination of the exact starting date to be made closer to the opening of the stable areas.
Churchill Downs | Image courtesy of Coady
Churchill Downs’ stabling areas, closed since December 31 for annual winter renovations, had been expected to open March 17, but the opening was delayed in response to executive orders issued by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to contain and limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Obviously, this is a very fluid situation,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re following the lead of the Governor and public health officials, who are giving us advice and counsel on what to expect over time, and every decision we make is made in compliance with those recommendations.”
