GBGB Managing Director Mark Bird has issued the following guidance to greyhound tracks in relation to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Please find attached the most recent government advice to the public and sports governing bodies on the current position concerning the virus and the relevant response. The action plan details useful advice but is subject to change.
To reiterate the current government position, we are still at the ‘contain’ phase although with the continued daily increases in cases, I’m sure it won’t be long before this changes to the ‘delay’ contingency.
As far as the GBGB is concerned, we will continue to link in with both Defra and DCMS, along with colleagues at the BHA in order to monitor the ongoing situation. Racing behind closed doors will remain a distinct possibility under the ‘delay’ action plan, though will most likely not incur too much of a problem for normal graded and open racing but will, no doubt, become an obvious issue with competition racing. Movements of dogs from abroad could also be designated as non-essential travel, which would likely impact on the Derby and other Cat 1. Competitions, not least through sponsorship.
On Monday, the Government told the Football Association, Rugby Football Union, UK Sport and the England and Wales Cricket Board that ministers would resist rushing into cancelling sporting events without scientific basis. However, pressure increased again on Tuesday after medical chiefs warned the virus threat would peak within a fortnight.
GBGB will continue to offer up to tracks any further advice or notifications from government.
