The government has given the green light for racing to return on Monday

The British Horseracing Authority had been working towards June 1 as a start date for some time and published a 33-page protocol document last weekend. The last meetings to take place before lockdown were at Wetherby and Taunton on March 17.

There's a mouthwatering period of action ahead with the Friday's Coronation Cup at Newmarket the first Group One race next week and the QIPCO 2000 and 1000 Guineas following on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Royal Ascot remains in its traditional spot in the calendar this year, beginning on June 16, while the Derby and Oaks have been pencilled in for a one-day fixture at Epsom on July 4.

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments.

“This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.

“This is a significant moment for British sport. By working with clinicians every step of the way, we are creating the safest possible environments for everyone involved.”

The BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, Dr Jerry Hill, has been working with officials from Public Health England, and with medical officers from other major sports, to develop appropriate guidelines for returning safely.

He said: "Our approach to screening and surveillance has been developed following discussions with Public Health England as part of the Chief Medical Officers in Sport Group. It is based on the low level of background risks at an outdoor event in a non-contact sport with attendees from mainly rural areas. It is responsible, makes sensible use of medical resources but is flexible so we can adapt in accordance with changing government policy and as our knowledge of Covid-19 increases over time."

The Chief Executive of the BHA, Nick Rust added: "This is an important stage towards a complete return for our industry and will help protect livelihoods and businesses. The timing is crucial for the breeding sector and we thank the government and officials at DCMS and Public Health England for their assistance in planning a safe return to racing. There is still a tough battle ahead before we can get fully back in business but this is a resilient and world-leading industry and we are ready for the task.

"Our plans for returning safely have been developed with the assistance of all the representative bodies in our sport and I believe the public can be reassured by the measures we will have in place. People understand how important it is for industries like ours to get back to work. Our participants know what will be asked of them when they attend a raceday. Together, we’ll stick to social distancing rules and prevent the virus spreading.

"I’m sure the return of racing will be welcomed by all those who’ve missed the excitement of live sport and the majestic sight of racehorses running at full gallop. We hope it will lift the nation’s spirits in difficult times and look forward to seeing our owners and racing fans back at racecourses as soon as that’s possible."

Jockey Club Racecourses own Newmarket, home of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, and Epsom, which will stage the Derby and Oaks at the beginning of next month.

Their Chief Executive Delia Bushell said: "The lockdown has been an incredibly hard period for our industry and it will be a long road back to recovery. As the first stage of this, I welcome the Government’s approval today for sport to return carefully behind closed doors.

"Across British Racing, a huge amount of planning, effort and care has gone into ensuring we are ready to resume fixtures in the most responsible way. While we are not a human-contact sport, extensive plans are nevertheless in place to create the safest possible environment for participants. And as our horses have been kept exercised for their welfare throughout the suspension period, we’re able to resume quickly.

“Getting back is vital for so many livelihoods in our £4 billion British Racing industry, which plays an important role in the rural economy and in many communities around the UK. This is therefore a very positive moment for the owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and the racecourse teams who have been working hard to be ready to get the sport and industry we love back up and running. And racing fans will have their sport back to provide enjoyment and relief, while the nation embarks on its journey of recovery."

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