Return of closed-door horse racing in Scotland

Jump racing is due to return in July (archive image by David Moir)

The Scottish Government confirmed yesterday that professional sport could resume in line with the move to Phase 2 of its Covid-19 route map.

In a statement, Minister for public health, sport & wellbeing, Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “I’m sure this news will be welcomed by racing fans across the country. The resumption of professional sports is another step towards some level of normality and its safe resumption is only possible thanks to a constructive relationship between the Scottish Government and bodies like Scottish Racing.”

The first fixture is scheduled for this coming Monday at Ayr Racecourse, which will be the first held in Scotland since a behind-closed-doors meeting at Kelso back in mid-March.

Flat racing dates have been arranged for June, July and August at Ayr, Hamilton Park and Musselburgh, while Perth is staging jump racing events in July and August.

Horse racing is Scotland’s second most attended sport annually, supporting 3400 full-time equivalent jobs and generating over £300 million annually for the Scottish economy.

The announcement means thoroughbred horse racing will now have resumed safely across Great Britain, in line with the detailed protocols designed by the BHA and wider racing industry, including physical distancing requirements, medical screening processes and a range of measures to reduce the risk of requiring use of NHS resources.

Chief executive of the BHA, Nick Rust said: “I am very pleased that Scottish racing is returning safely from June 22 at Ayr racecourse, ensuring our truly nationwide sport can resume in line with the protocols which have been working well since our resumption at Newcastle.”

“It is a sign of horse racing’s preparedness that we are the first major sport to return in Scotland as the recovery from Covid-19 continues. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Scottish Government in enabling this risk-managed return.”

Manager of Scottish Racing, Delly Innes, said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of racing in Scotland after a long, but necessary, absence as Scotland faced the challenges of Covid-19.

“This has been an immensely challenging time for our five excellent racecourses (including Kelso) but this is an important first step on the road to recovery and we will be working hard to ensure all our participants are familiar with, and adhere to, Scottish rules and guidance where these differ from UK guidance.”

“We are raring to go with an exciting programme of fixtures in the months ahead, which will help support the wider Scottish and British racing industry, and provide entertainment to viewers across the country.”