BHA Welcomes Government Plan to Ease Covid-19 Restrictions

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has welcomed the plans by the UK Government to ease Covid-19 restrictions across England later this month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on July 5 that almost all of the existing restrictions would be lifted by 19 of this month. These include social distancing measures and rules regarding wearing a face covering in certain areas.

Restrictions will remain in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the devolved governments making their own judgements and plans regarding the ease of restrictions.

BHA chair Annamarie Phelps said: “Everyone involved in our sport has been looking forward to this news for the last thirteen months and worked tirelessly and with great patience to safely keep the show on the road in this time.

“Monday 19 July will be a significant day for all sports, and very much so for British racing.

“We are currently working with our industry colleagues to consider how this might apply to racing and how our racedays will therefore operate from 19 July onwards, and we await further clarity from government.”