Leicester officials waiting for green light

Leicester

Officials at Leicester are waiting for confirmation from the British Horseracing Authority as to whether this evening’s meeting can take place after the city was placed under lockdown by the government.

Due to a spike in Covid-19 cases in the area, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday evening that all non-essential businesses would have to close again, with schools also closing from Thursday.

The planned nationwide lifting of restrictions from July 4 will have to stay in place in Leicester until July 18 at the earliest.

The city has seen almost 1,000 new cases in the previous fortnight.

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: “It’s so important that we get a grip on this spike that has happened in Leicester. We will be closing the shops by law and will be changing the law in the next day or two to do that.”

He also advised that people should not travel “in, out or within Leicester” unless it was essential, but that would not be enforced by law as yet.

Clerk of the course Jimmy Stevenson said: “I haven’t heard anything as yet. Obviously it is a BHA decision and they are talking with people.

“Everything is in place for us to race, all our protocols are in place, but it is out of our hands.”

The first of nine races is scheduled for 4.40pm.

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