THE BHA have extended the racing shutdown beyond 1 May.
The sport’s governing body have announced that, in anticipation of an extension of the nationwide lockdown, racing will not resume at the end of this month.
Plans remain in place for racing to restart at short notice, though no new resumption date has been set.
BHA chief Nick Rust said: “We stopped racing in March to protect the health and safety of the public and to limit demands on the NHS. It’s right to continue this suspension until the pressure on the NHS allows for a resumption and we can assure the safety of those taking part.
“We are in touch with government as part of our development of a responsible, coordinated plan for the return of sport when it’s appropriate to do so.
“We’ll continue to develop a range of options drawing on the expertise of our participants and racecourses. But for now, we are all focused on supporting the national effort, maintaining social distancing restrictions and taking care of our people and our horses.”
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The statement continued: “The BHA has been working with trainers, racecourses and other participants to develop a phased plan for resumption which will allow the sport to transition back to its normal fixture list later in the year.
“We remain in constant contact with government and are ready to respond quickly.
“Our plans continue to allow for a resumption in May, if that is possible. We assume it would be behind closed doors only, at a point when the safety of participants can be assured and the pressure on the health service allows.
“Tough biosecurity measures would be in place to keep any risks to a minimum.
“Because of the very strong likelihood that restrictions on mass gatherings will continue, the BHA has decided that racing with crowds will not be possible until June at the earliest.”