Face masks, screening and temperature checks - BHA sets out path to going racing

Jockeys, trainers and others in danger of breaching social distancing guidelines will have to wear face masks when racing resumes behind closed doors.

Admittance to the course on resumption will be strictly limited to those who need to be present, each of whom must pass several checks before being allowed in.

The requirements are set out in 33 pages of protocols, issued by the BHA on Saturday, which must be followed by all those attending a meeting from racing's hoped-for resumption on June 1 until further notice.

Social distancing officers will be appointed by the BHA to ensure all measures are implemented and strictly adhered to on racedays.

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The authority recognises that activities such as legging a rider up or loading a horse into the stalls will involve being less than two metres apart so it requires jockeys, trainers, valets, stable staff and others to wear suitable face coverings, which will also be mandatory for anyone sharing their journey to the course with anyone from outside their own household.

To support trainers in the initial stages of resumption the BHA has obtained a central supply of reusable, non-medical face coverings for use by stable staff on racecourses.

The BHA has obtained a central supply of reusable, non-medical face coveringsCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

Access to the course will be limited to personnel essential for running a meeting. That does not include owners but the BHA adds: "We wish to reassure owners of our aim to provide opportunities for them to attend race meetings at the earliest appropriate opportunity."

Everyone in attendance needs to have taken an online Covid-19 education module and completed an online medical declaration form within the previous seven days.

They must answer further questions on arrival, provide photo ID and have their temperature taken twice using an infrared thermometer or other non-contact device – if it exceeds 37.8C on both occasions, access will be denied.

Those attending a meeting are warned to allow an additional 15-30 minutes to pass through the checkpoints.

Trainers are asked to assist with the smooth running of racedays by avoiding sending any difficult or "fractious" horses – no companion animals or horses will be permitted entry – and to ensure all declared horses are well schooled in the stalls, to minimise time taken to load and to help maintain social distancing.

The two-metre gap will be enforced by the use of taped areas, partitions and increased supervision in the jockeys' changing rooms and there will be no sauna or showers.

Saddles and other riding equipment must be disinfected on arrival and jockeys need to take responsibility for maintaining social distancing on the way to and at the start.

Noughts and crosses are used to mark out social distancing at ChantillyCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

In races, they are encouraged "to be especially mindful of continuing pressures on medical and health services, and to avoid taking unnecessary or avoidable risks, which may endanger themselves or others".

Only a limited number of people will be able to transfer between designated zones on course and one-way systems will be in place where possible to limit the crossover of individuals.

Admission to the course will be possible only via designated entrance points – all others will be physically secured to prevent unauthorised access.

But there is no age restriction, as with Ireland's ban on the over-70s which means that veterans trainers such as Kevin Prendergast cannot go racing.

The BHA is being led by the government on that point and there is no current guidance to prevent their attending.

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