Horseracing cancelled in UK for rest of month due to pandemic

All horseracing has been postponed for the rest of March following the cancellation of the Grand National

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) had responded to the Government’s change in approach towards the coronavirus crisis by cancelling all racing for the rest of March, just a day after putting the sport behind closed doors.

A statement from the BHA read: “The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that all horseracing in Britain will be suspended with effect from tomorrow.

“The formal decision was taken by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority this morning based on the statements made by the government yesterday and after consultation with senior industry leaders. Medical Advisers to the RCA and the BHA, who have been advising an industry group on the response to the crisis, have also been consulted.

“The BHA took the decision to protect essential emergency services and the health and welfare of staff working in the racing industry. Racecourses and racing have obligations to ensure the safety of participants and provide medical cover which clearly cannot be fulfilled in these circumstances. This follows the new advice issued by the government yesterday to combat the spread of the virus.”

Tuesday’s two meetings at Taunton and Wetherby were the last to take place in the UK before the blanket ban kicks in on Wednesday, and the biggest concern for the BHA is how they will support those who depend on horseracing financially, given it is estimated to be a £4bn industry in Great Britain alone.

“This is a national emergency the like of which most of us have never seen before,” said Nick Rust, the chief executive of the BHA.

“We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry. But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.

“Racing is a family and I know we will pull together over the coming days, weeks and months and support each other. By stopping racing, we can free up medical resources, doctors and ambulances, be they private sector or NHS, to assist in the national effort to fight this virus. And we can support racing industry participants and staff as they face up to the personal challenges ahead and care for their own families.

“There will be difficult months ahead for many of us. We need to focus now on ensuring that we can continue to look after our horses as the virus affects the thousands of participants and staff who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. We need to do what we can to support businesses inside and outside racing and the many people whose livelihoods depend upon this £4bn industry.”