Kelso meeting to be run behind closed doors on Monday

BHA still closely following UK Government advice.

Monday’s meeting at Kelso will take place behind closed doors following the Scottish Government advice to delay the spread of coronavirus by cancelling mass gatherings.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined planned measures north of the border following a Cobra meeting in London on Thursday, which confirmed the UK is entering the delay phase of tackling the pandemic.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stopped short of cancelling major sports events as yet, although the Premier League is suspended until April 4, with the Football League on hold until April 3 and this weekend’s Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland also called off on Friday.

The British Horseracing Authority reiterated it is following official Government advice in allowing meetings in England and Wales to go ahead as normal for now.

A statement issued on Friday afternoon said: “British racing continues to be in close contact with the UK Government and has been following their advice to continue with business as usual, subject to public health guidance.

“We are aware of the decisions taken by a number of sports today to suspend fixtures in advance of any Government decision coming into effect.

“Racing’s leaders are monitoring the situation daily and are currently considering a range of options in this rapidly developing situation. Contingency plans are ready as required.

“We are seeking further guidance from the Scottish Government after their decision yesterday to ban outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people to protect the resilience of critical emergency services.

“Prior to receiving detailed advice from Scottish Government, racing at Kelso on Monday will be behind closed doors. The number of staff and participants will be below the Scottish Government’s figure of 500 for outdoor gatherings.”

In Ireland, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the immediate closure of schools and colleges on Thursday – and a ban on outdoor events involving crowds of 500 or more, initially until March 29.

Horse Racing Ireland will therefore hold all race meetings behind closed doors in that time period – with stringent restrictions on the number allowed on track to look after their horses.

Kelso has two meetings next week, on Monday and again the following Saturday, with Musselburgh also due to race on Friday.

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