With the UK’s lockdown in the battle against COVID-19 having been extended, there is no clear picture as to when racing will return.
Originally racing in the UK was suspended until the end of April.
The likelihood now, however, is that the sport of kings is not going to get any kind of return until at least the middle of May.
Head of the British Horse Racing Association has not given a set date as to when. But the association have proclaimed themselves as being ‘ready for racing to resume as soon as the government gives the go-ahead’.
When Will Racing Return in the UK?
May even money
June 11/8
July 5/1
September or later 10/1
August 16/1
* (betting odds taken from Coral at 23:22 GMT on Wednesday 22nd April 2020)
Punters appear to be decidedly uncertain.
The market posing the question of whether or not Racing in the UK will resume on or before 1st June went from the “No” option before favourite at one point on Wednesday, before it shifted to odds-on 10/11 for a “Yes'” later in the day* (betting odds taken from Betfair Exchange at 23:22 GMT on Wednesday 22nd April 2020).
UK Racing to resume on or before 1st June?
Yes 10/11
No Even money
* (betting odds taken from Betfair Exchange at 23:22 GMT on Wednesday 22nd April 2020)
More big Festivals under threat
With the Grand National having fallen by the wayside because of the Coronavirus outbreak, the start of the flat season passed by without any action too.
Now there are some big meetings which are under threat, namely Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot.
Goodwood is scheduled for a start of July 28th through to 1st August.
Royal Ascot is scheduled for a June 16th start through to June 20th.
It has already been announced that Royal Ascot will not be able to take place as an event open to the public.
The “No” option on the Betfair Exchange for Will Royal Ascot 2020 go ahead on June 16th is an overwhelming short favourite at 4/11, with the other side of a “Yes” at 23/10* (betting odds taken from Betfair Exchange at 23:22 GMT on Wednesday 22nd April 2020).
