Health Minister Matt Hancock has revealed he would be “open” to horse racing returning in the UK in the next month.
It is now 49 days since the last race meetings were held in Britain, with Wetherby and Taunton hosting cards on March 17, because of the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Horseracing Authority are hoping to host two bumper weekends of Classic trials at the end of May, with the prospect of running the 1000 and 2000 Guineas in early June.
Despite the BHA plans, government officials have yet to state when racing, or sport, in general, will be allowed to resume. Premier League football is another sport eyeing a return by the start of June.
When asked about a football return, in an interview on BBC Radio 4, Mr Hancock stated: “I am absolutely open to that. And horse racing too.
“I know that both the Premier League and racing are working on how this might be doable in a safe way. But that safety has to be paramount.”
