When will Horse Racing Resume in the UK and Ireland

Are you a fan of horse racing? Perhaps you like to place the odd bet? Or enjoy a day out at the races? If so, you’ll likely be wondering when horse racing is likely to resume in the UK and Ireland.

Currently, horse racing has been canceled due to COVID-19. In some countries such as America and Australia, horse racing has been taking place behind closed doors but there has been no horse racing in Ireland or the UK since the middle of March. Many of the Best horse racing bookmakers are taking bets on the foreign racing as horse racing fans in Ireland and the UK eagerly anticipate the return of their local fixtures.

UK Horse Racing

Last week the British Horseracing Authority announced that a new fixture list would be put in place in early May, and it’s hoped that races will be going ahead at the start of June. This is a target that trainers and jockeys are working towards.

Ireland is also hoping to be back racing behind closed doors in June but no exact day has yet been agreed between the governing body Horse Racing Ireland and the Government of the country. When racing returns in Ireland it will be just Flat racing for the first month.

There will likely be many differences in horse racing for the foreseeable future in a bid to keep people safe and stick to social distancing precautions. This is to reduce the likelihood of putting pressure on the health services and the countries’ resources.

Races in the UK will be held with no more than twelve horses, and only senior jockeys will race in the initial period..

Race organisers will realise a new fixture list in the first week of May, which will tell racing fans when each race will take place. It’s thought that lost Pattern and Listed events will be rescheduled in early June.

Each race will have fewer competitors than usual, and this will result in the number of races on each card being increased to meet demand. The races will be flat racing, behind closed doors and will only go ahead if the government allows it. There will be no spectators at the events, but the general public will be able to watch the races on the internet via live streaming and on TV. Bookies will be allowed to take bets, which can be placed on the internet.

Field-size restrictions are likely to increase competition for places. There are plans to extend the number of races and stage more divisions to make up for this. The organisers are looking to provide a balanced program. However, the competition for places is likely to mean that lower rated horses will be excluded from some races.

Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s chief regulatory officer, is planning to meet with racing representatives from across Europe to discuss the different strategies of each country.

It seems likely that the Flat season will be extended and will run until the end of the year or even the beginning of next year. It was scheduled to end on November 7th. The last UK horse racing took place behind closed doors on the 17th March at Wetherby and Taunton. Only time will tell when the next races will be held, but everyone involved is hoping it will be in June.