Handicaps dominate as schedule for first week of resumption is made public

Racing in Britain will return with an action-packed schedule of handicaps following the release of a programme for the first seven days for when the sport finally resumes.

No date has been announced, but the resumption of racing group will next sit on Monday following an expected update from prime minster Boris Johnson on Sunday, detailing the outlook for the UK's lockdown.

In details released on Thursday evening, the sport will resume with one northern fixture before two meetings every day spread across the country. There are no Pattern races in the first seven days with the emphasis placed on lower-grade contests.

Of the 104 races spread across the first week 72 per cent will be handicaps. There will be 12 races for two-year-olds. In normal circumstances, handicaps make up between 55 and 60 per cent of the racing calendar.

In numbers: fixture programme for the first seven days

13 meetings – 7 in the South, 4 in the North, 2 in the Midlands
104 races
75 handicaps
12 two-year-old races
17 maiden or novice races for three-year-olds or over
8 races for each meeting

Usually, handicaps yield much higher betting turnover than novice or maiden races, due to better competition and larger field sizes. Bookmakers hope the first seven days of the calendar will captivate racing fans.

Barry Orr, spokesman for Betfair, said: "From a bookmaking point of view, handicaps are the most attractive proposition for punters. Invariably you get over eight runners and a handicap is that for a reason – theoretically everyone has an equal chance.

"It's great that we've a plan to get racing back on and it's a great opportunity for racing to showcase what it's got."

Ladbrokes Coral PR director Simon Clare added: "We're as keen as anyone to see racing resume as soon as it’s safe for it to do so. There's no question the BHA are best placed to construct a balanced race programme for the resumption, but if there's a strong programme of handicaps then that will work well for betting turnover. Handicaps consistently deliver the competitive races and prices that most of our customers favour."

A statement from the BHA on Thursday evening also revealed that a financial plan has been submitted to the Levy Board regarding prize-money funding for when the sport resumes. An update is expected next week.

Wth prize-money levels sure to fall, the Jockey Club did not wish to respond to a newspaper report that the purse for the Investec Derby was set to be cut by a third to £500,000.

Epsom: a meeting on whether the Derby will be kept at the track, under strict behind-closed-doors measures, will be made on TuesdayCredit: Lee Mottershead

It is understood no final decision has been made about prize-money levels as the Jockey Club and Epsom go through a number of factors which could affect it, including the supporting card, sponsorship, entry fees and Levy Board support. However, there is likely to be a significant cut.

The Jockey Club has requested special dispensation from Epsom and Ewell council in order to run the Derby and Oaks behind closed doors. A council meeting will discuss giving approval to the plans on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, racing resumed in Germany on Thursday, with jockeys, stable staff and racecourse officials wearing facemasks. French racing is to resume at Longchamp on Monday.

Government to act with 'maximum caution'

Boris Johnson has reacted to media speculation that lockdown measures would be lifted next week, saying the government would act with "maximum caution".

A spokesperson for the prime minister said on Thursday: "Cabinet discussed where we are in the response to the coronavirus pandemic and the review which is being conducted into social distancing measures.

"The prime minister said that in considering whether there could be any easement to the existing guidelines, we are not going to do anything that risks a second peak. We will advance with maximum caution in order to protect the NHS and to save lives."

Read more:

HRI breaks silence by announcing proposal to resume racing earlier than June 29

Jockey Club outlines 'exclusion zone' plan to ensure Derby can be run at Epsom

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