Fabre not optimistic for quick end to French shutdown in face of coronavirus

Leading French trainers Andre Fabre and Freddy Head reported life was continuing much as usual in the main training centre of Chantilly on Saturday as the country approaches one week since its complete racing shutdown.

But while Head remains hopeful the wider public health environment in France might permit authorities to restart in mid-April as planned, Fabre expressed his fears that racing faces a longer spell of inactivity.

Fabre said: "We're keeping the horses active. Not working them seriously but ready to work, we don't do more."

Fabre has a hugely promising crop of three-year-olds, headed by Qipco 2,000 Guineas second favourite Earthlight and fellow Group 1 winners Victor Ludorum and Alson, who has arrived from Germany in the off-season.

Andre Fabre and wife Elisabeth debrief the morning's work in the forest adjacent to les Aigles gallops in ChantillyCredit: Edward Whitaker

But the 30-time champion trainer is far from convinced that racing in France – which is suspended until at least April 15 – and elsewhere in Europe will be reinstated as quickly as many hope.

Fabre and other Chantilly trainers have been able to maintain full staffing despite restrictions on movement imposed by the government.

But asked about the chances of an early resumption, Fabre said: "It seems impossible. Mid-April seems totally out of reach, in my opinion."

He added: "Earthlight and Victor Ludorum are cantering but they're ready to do something more. They've wintered well, I'm happy with them. It's the same with Persian King, he's doing well."

Prix Morny and Middle Park hero Earthlight is cantering and ready to start fast workCredit: Edward Whitaker

While effectively waiting on the government's decision on whether to extend the current measures to confine people to their homes, France Galop announced on Thursday that it remained hopeful of a resumption soon after April 15, and was working on a revised calendar.

However, Fabre believes that if the shutdown continues deeper into the spring, more radical surgery will be required. He added that racing's problems pale in comparison with the spread of the epidemic.

"[In those circumstances] I think we should redraw the season, have a delay for the Classics so we can have the prep races. Run the Classics in July or something like that. They did it for the Kentucky Derby.

"For us it’s important but for the rest of the world, who cares about the date?"

Freddy Head: optimistic racing will return next monthCredit: Edward Whitaker

Head also reported that the daily routine of riding out has been largely untroubled, though the widespread chaos in international air travel has forced a change to riding plans with Dubai Gold Cup favourite Call The Wind.

"For now we're going on as we did before," said Head. "All the staff are able to get in. We're able to go out and train the horses as usual.

"We're training them normally, we need to have the horses ready to run when things get underway again. Obviously we're taking extra precautions with the staff but that's the only real difference. Fortunately things are quite well spaced out at my yard so it works fine.

"I have no idea [if April is feasible]. We need to wait and see and, in my opinion, it'll be the government that decides. It's another three weeks and I'm hopeful but we'll see."

Breezing along: Call The Wind and Sebastien Lagrange exercising in the forest of ChantillyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Call The Wind has arrived safely at Meydan and is being supervised by travelling head groom, Sebastien Lagrange, who is the son of Frankel's regular work rider back in Chantilly.

"Call The Wind travelled over very well," said Head. "I was very happy with him this morning and the only problem is on the jockey front, as Olivier Peslier is unable to get a flight, everything is blocked. So I don't have Olivier available so Mickael Barzalona will ride."

The latest coronavirus figures for France are 14,459 positive cases and 562 fatalities.

Read more

First concrete steps to stabilise industry finances announced by France Galop

Bookmaking industry body backs 'historic national effort' despite shop closures

Peter Savill criticises BHA decision to suspend racing in face of coronavirus

Did you know you can place bets on South African and other international race meetings with the Racing Post? Tap an odds button on the racecards to open your bet slip