HRI confirms two owners per runner allowed at meetings from Monday

Two owners per runner will be permitted to attend Irish race meetings from Monday onwards, according to Horse Racing Ireland.

Chief executive Brian Kavanagh welcomed the key stakeholder group's return for the first time in eight months, saying: "We have said all along that getting owners back on the racecourse has been a priority and it is great that it is happening from Bank Holiday Monday at Gowran Park and Listowel.

"Owners have stood by the industry during a very difficult period and their return on track paves the way for greater opening up of race meetings to racing fans in the coming months.

"Horse Racing Ireland's ownership team will be in contact with all owners in advance of Monday with full details.

"Obviously, the overall experience for the time being will be an outdoor one, and to ensure that everybody can stay safe, there will be a number of requirements for owners, including registration in advance and arrival through the health screening check-in area."

A change in Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland – announced last week but set to come in on Monday – means 200 people can now attend an outdoor gathering, clearing the way for owners to see their horses compete on track.

Two individuals for every listed owner, rather than every horse, were allowed to attend fixtures during a two-and-a-half-week period last autumn, but HRI has now decided that two owners per runner will be able to attend.

To assist the safe operation of meetings, designated areas for owners to meet trainers and jockeys have been established on each track, while winning owners will be able to enter the parade ring after races to welcome in their horse.

Ante-post favourite St Mark's Basilica heads 20 left in Sunday's French Derby

A field of 20 remains on course for Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club after Tuesday's forfeit stage, with One Ruler and Parchemin the notable absentees.

Godolphin's 2,000 Guineas sixth-place finisher One Ruler, on course instead for the Cazoo Derby on Saturday, had been a 14-1 chance for the 1m2f Classic at Chantilly, while the Andre Fabre-trained Parchemin was 20-1 in the betting.

Coral clipped favourite St Mark’s Basilica to 5-2 (from 11-4) to give trainer Aidan O'Brien a first win in the race, while Derab is now 12-1 (from 14).

Cheltenham Festival hero Hazel Hill retired

The 2019 Foxhunters' Chase winner Hazel Hill finished his career with a point-to-point win at Chaddesley Corbett and will be retired at the age of 13.

Under rules he won six of his eight starts and he followed that impressive four-length festival success with a second win at Cheltenham at its May meeting.

Hazel Hill: Cheltenham Festival winner bowed out with a 13th point-to-point victory at Chaddesley Corbett on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He started off with Jane Williams before joining Mel and Philip Rowley's yard in Shropshire, and he will spend the rest of his days with his owner Diana Williams and her family.

Women Jockeys' World Cup cancelled due to Covid-19

The international Women Jockeys’ World Cup has been cancelled for a second year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event was scheduled for June 20.

The competition showcases the best female riders from across the world at a meeting held at Bro Park in Stockholm, Sweden.

Japanese jockey Nanako Fujita won the last competition in 2019, while Hayley Turner, Ana O’Brien, Georgia Cox and Jane Elliott have competed in previous years.

Horse welfare charity runs 'Conversation With Aggers' event

Tickets are available for World Horse Welfare's 'Conversation With Aggers' event, held at Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset on June 30.

Mike Cattermole hosts the event with the cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew. Gates open at 6.30pm and tickets are limited and can be bought here.

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