Thumbs-up from industry for plans to end remaining raceday Covid restrictions

News that British racing is approaching a return to normality, almost two years after the pandemic first emerged, was welcomed throughout the sport on Thursday.

Remaining raceday restrictions are to be eased off, with the industry's Covid-19 group provisionally agreeing that, from February 28, people will no longer be expected to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test before being allowed into the weighing room.

From March 14, courses will no longer be required to configure the weighing room complex for the purposes of infection control.

British racing was shut down when Covid struck in mid-March of 2020 and though it resumed in June of that year it has been operating under various pandemic restrictions ever since.

Reacting to the news, trainer Charlie Longsdon said: "We're getting some normality to racing and it's great they're trying to do that. Let's hope we can keep it through the spring and summer going forward. We all want to be out of it now. It's all history now, hopefully."

Charlie Longsdon: 'We all want to be out of it now. It's all history now, hopefully'Credit: David Carr

Sandy Thomson said: "It's great for it to be happening, though it will never be quite the same, things have evolved because of Covid like not having to declare horses on the track."

Lucinda Russell spoke of her joy at the return to normality after sending out a winner at Sandown and said: "I've loved it today.

"The guys at the rails don't have masks on and you can see their faces and emotions – everybody is so happy.

"There's a really good feeling and it's so nice things are going back to how they were. Covid is still going to be around and we'll have to cope with it and get on with it. The joy and delight that racing brings people is still there and it's great to take another step towards normality."

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said: "It's great to see we're moving forward and they've done a fantastic job in making sure the weighing room stayed out of Covid. We've all as individuals been kept incredibly healthy and hopefully we can keep on track."

Southwell executive director Mark Clayton believes the final return to normality is vindication for racing's rulers and said: "We have wholeheartedly believed in the BHA's cautious approach during Covid and the racing industry has reaped the reward from that approach."

Mark Clayton: 'We have wholeheartedly believed in the BHA's cautious approach during covid and I think the racing industry has reaped the reward from that approach'Credit: David Carr

Weighing room access will remain restricted to essential personnel and anyone testing positive – or exhibiting symptoms – should not enter until they can demonstrate evidence of a negative test.

Announcements from the UK and Scottish governments on the easing of Covid rules, expected next week, are unlikely to delay racing's proposed timetable but final plans will be considered in line with government publications.

BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill said: "It is with cautious optimism that we are able to publish a provisional timetable for the removal of the remaining racecourse mitigations, starting with the testing requirement for weighing room entry.

"We are satisfied that the data continues to move in the right direction, and that with the UK government likely to rescind the legal obligation to self-isolate, the risk of Covid-related disruption is further diminished.

"This decision is only possible thanks to the continued efforts of industry colleagues both on and off the racecourse, who have prioritised the health, wellbeing, and livelihood of others. It is through your collective efforts that we have thus far managed to avoid interruption to the racing schedule.

"We will of course continue to monitor the situation over the next few weeks. Covid has not gone away, and therefore racecourse attendees should continue to exercise the necessary vigilance: vaccination and regular testing are still highly advisable."

Read these next:

Fakenham cancels Friday card due to warning of 'unprecedented' storm

'I want a Grade 1 ticked off' – James Bowen eyeing big win on Mister Fisher

Watch In The Know every Monday until the Cheltenham Festival from 6pm, live on the Racing Post YouTube channel. Ross Brierley hosts as Racing Post experts and special guests look ahead to the festival. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here so you don't miss out.