SIS announced their schedule for the return to racing though it already has a ‘temporary’ look about it.
Racing is due to return next Monday, though there may be an updated blueprint in situ before the first race is staged. As things stand, the main points of interest are the addition of Towcester to the schedule along with the return of Hove on Sunday.
However, the current format, with no ‘8am starts’ could well change following the opening of betting shops on June 16. There are also issues surrounding the GBGB’s phased return to racing.
Today’s programme represents 420 races spread across 42 meetings. Prior to lockdown, SIS were broadcasting 637 races per week. If all goes to plan, by the time that the shops open, the tracks would be allowed to stage 12 race cards, though there is certain to be a call to skip at least one of the phases prior to a full return to racing.
There is also the issue of the Irish meetings broadcast on SIS. At present, Irish tracks are not expecting to re-open until the end of June. It is still unclear whether that date will represent a return to racing, or whether the Government will allow dogs to re-trial in the interim.
