When Might The UK Racing Return?

It’s certainly strange times at the moment – not just for the horse racing world, but for every inch of the globe with the ongoing COVID-19 situation impacting the lives of every living person.

Industries all over the world have been impacted and with NO UK horse racing since March 17^th, then fans of the sport of kings have been twiddling their thumbs ever since!

Yes, the racing over in Ireland continued for a bit after the UK racing lockdown on 18^th March – in the Emerald Isle they raced behind closed doors until March 24^{th ,} but then the plug was pulled and they’ve been in the same boat at the UK ever since.

So, When Can The UK Horse Racing Be Expected To Return?

The quick and short answer is – it’s hard to tell.

It goes without saying that everything rests on how quickly the spread of the COVID-19 virus slows down in the coming weeks.

We’ve already lost high-profile meetings like the Aintree Grand National card, the Punchestown Festival in Ireland and the start of the new flat turf season has also been hit hard.

April’s Newmarket’s Craven fixture has gone, while the first two Classics of the new season – the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas – have also been postponed for now – we’ll have to see if they re-schedule these two big 3 year-old races when (and if) racing resumes in the coming months.

The Epsom Derby (6^th June) and Oaks (5^th June) are also in doubt, while Royal Ascot have already gone on record as saying that if they do get the green light to race – it will be done behind closed doors regardless.

In short, there are so many unknowns that it’s impossible to try and put a date on when the racing might return – but one thing’s for sure, when it does it’s bound to be a slow process to get things back to normal, with the first batch of fixtures staged behind closed doors and with no crowds.

Is There Any Betting On When The UK Racing Will Return?

Yes, there are a few firms trying to take a guess at when the UK racing scene might return. The Betfair Exchange have these markets on offer for their customers.

1. Will Racing Resume in May?
2. Will Racing Resume in June?
3. Will Racing Resume in July?
4. Will Racing Resume in August?
5. Will Racing Resume September or Later?
6. Will 2020 Royal Ascot Go Ahead?

Racing to return in May is around 10/11 TO happen – but the BHA have already stated that they will wait for government guidence on this and it’s mostly likely to be a ‘slow-burner’ return, with racing most certainly to start up again behind closed doors for a period. You are are having a punt on this May return though, it won’t matter if there are crowds or not – just UK racing!

While the betting on if the UK racing will come back in June is around 13/8, while a July return is 6/1. Then looking further ahead – if you think this racing lockdown will continune till August or September – then both months are currently on offer at around 11/1!

They’ve also got a market on whether Royal Ascot 2020 will go ahead. At the time of writing (13^th April) the betting is 4/9 NO and 13/8 YES, so another tight market but also one that at this stage favours the 2020 Royal Ascot card to NOT be staged – let’s hope those odds turn around the other way in the coming weeks! But, as already mentioned – if they do race – it will be behind closed doors.

Note: All odds listed are subject to change (correct 16^th April 2020).

Finally, for those of you that don’t really care what racing you are having a punt on – then if you hunt around there are still a few countries racing. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the US hard, there are parts of America still staging racing, while Australia and Sweden are also racing.

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