UK jump racing off until July under new BHA initiative
Authority targets “phased” horseracing return following prolonged Covid-19 closures
UK jump horseracing will remain off until 1 July at the earliest before being phased back into action after coronavirus disruption, according to the British Horseracing Association (BHA).
The decision comes after the National Trainers Federation (NTF) pushed for clarity for trainers and owners on the timetable for UK racing while minimising expenditure.
The proposal has been agreed by the BHA, Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and Racecourse Association (RCA).
Due to the delayed start to the season, the BHA said more jump racing fixtures will be included within the originally scheduled jump racing breaks in August and September.
Tracks capable of holding jump racing in this period and most affected by the reduction in the number of jump fixtures will be given priority when scheduling additional races.
BHA officials are currently working on a detailed plan based on UK racing resuming on 1 May, with flat racing taking place behind closed doors in order to minimise demands on emergency services.
Initially, there will be a limited number of racing events during the period following this date, with the BHA targeting a phased approach.
BHA COO Richard Wayman said the priority for the association was minimising unnecessary expenditure for owners and trainers, allowing horses to break from training where required.
“The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport,” Wayman said.
Earlier this week, the BHA announced its Covid-19 emergency plan, a programme of cost savings and salary reductions that has seen 80% of its workforce furloughed indefinitely.