The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has welcomed plans by the government to ease Covid-19 restrictions across England later this month.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on the 5th of July that almost all of the existing restrictions would be lifted by the 19th of the same 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.
This news has been welcomed by the BHA, as it means that racecourses will be able to admit spectators at capacity for the first time since March 2020.
The chair of BHA, 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.”
Sports betting affiliates should pay close attention to this easing of restrictions in both England and the other devolved nations. There is likely to be many opportunities emerging as Britain’s sports allow fans in greater capacities in to watch.
