CORONAVIRUS: THOROUGHBRED HORSE RACING COMMUNITY REACTS TO COVID-19

We spoke to a number of participants in the horse racing industry, both trainers and jockeys, about what impact Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the sport in their jurisdiction.

Sophie Doyle and Graham Motion (Animal Kingdom) covered off American thoroughbred racing, while Chris Waller (Winx) and Tom Marquand provided an update on the state of play in Australian horse racing.

British champion jockey Oisin Murphy (Deirdre / Suave Richard) explained how racing in Britain has been suspended until the end of April, 2020, and Irish trainer Denis Hogan gave a first-hand account of the status of Irish racing, with racing continuing behind closed doors.

Zac Purton (Beauty Generation), representing Hong Kong, said the Hong Kong Jockey Club has taken swift measures to ensure racing could continue without fans in the region.

Churchill Downs announced the 146th Kentucky Derby (Run For the Roses) will now be run on September 5, while options are still being explored for the two other Triple Crown races, the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

With horses like Almond Eye, Win Bright, Glory Vase, Benbatl, Gronkowski, Full Flat, Sir Winston, Tacitus and Equilateral due to compete, the 25th running of the Dubai World Cup was also cancelled a week out.

Racing in France has also been abandoned until at least April 15.

Horse racing in Victoria, Australia has seen health screening introduced at major racetracks to help combat the spread, coupled with the decision to shift 25 jockeys into isolation to ensure the jockey ranks remain fit and healthy.

How will other major race meetings like Royal Ascot Racecourse 2020 be in jeopardy?

What is Coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. The illness started in Wuhan, China.

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