The British Horseracing Authority have not yet put racing in the UK behind closed doors, but their own offices are closed due to coronavirus fears.
The BHA released a statement this morning notifying trainers that their London offices would be closed for the immediate future with several members of staff self-isolating due to suspected coronavirus cases.
Office at 75 High Holborn closed until further notice due to small number of office-based BHA staff self-isolating, in line with Govt guidance, having experienced mild symptoms that could be consistent with coronavirus. Office-based staff asked to work remotely as precaution
⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ItBesKK21k— BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) March 16, 2020
Today one meeting in Britain will be run behind closed doors, Kelso. That is due to the Scottish government putting similar practices in place to Ireland. However, Southwell and Hereford will go ahead without any restrictions.
The BHA has announced plans to put racing behind closed doors, but the intricacies of this plan have not yet been finalised.
Criticism
There was widespread criticism of the Cheltenham Festival going ahead as sporting fixtures globally were being canceled, postponed and being conducted behind closed doors.
The flagship event of the racing season, the Randox Grand National at Aintree is just over a fortnight away. Tiger Roll is looking to create history when he attempts to win the race for a third consecutive year.
The Chief Executive of the BHA, Nick Rust says a decision on the Randox Grand National going ahead will be made as quickly as possible.
“Racing has worked hard to look after our customers and our staff by following the government’s guidance and taking proportionate action.
“We will agree on plans to limit attendance to participants and staff only at race meetings from this week and put in place the contingency plans developed by the industry.”
