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How bookmakers are dealing with starting prices for racing behind closed doors

The empty inside bookmakers ring at Dundalk on Friday
The empty inside bookmakers ring at Dundalk on Friday

The issue of starting prices may not be a top priority for authorities tackling the coronavirus pandemic in Britain and Ireland but it is certainly occupying the thoughts of bookmakers betting on race meetings held behind closed doors.

Under normal circumstances SPs are based on the odds offered by on-course bookmakers. However, Dundalk’s Friday-night meeting took place in front of empty stands and a deserted betting ring, and it will be a similar story on Monday when Kelso will be the first meeting in Britain to go ahead without spectators.

With no punters or on-course bookmakers in attendance at Dundalk, the industry shows and SPs were generated by data supplier SIS from off-course bookmakers’ prices. The Press Association will be producing SPs at Kelso.

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