Balding calls for Flat season to be pushed back a month to save Classics

Leading trainer Andrew Balding has proposed moving the Flat season back a month to prevent key races being lost due to the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

The Grand National, Scottish National and Lincoln have already fallen victim to the suspension of racing in Britain by the BHA. The sport is aiming to restart on May 1 on the Flat and two months later for jumps, but any restart is dependent on numerous issues beyond the sport's control.

The Qipco 2,000 Guineas, the first Classic of the season, is just one day after the proposed resumption date and fears are growing the race is unlikely to go ahead under the circumstances. Balding believes running the key races a month later could stop them being lost from the calendar completely.