BHA: 'no need at this time' for abandonment policy despite coronavirus spread

The global response to coronavirus may be escalating but after racing's steering group for the illness met on Friday the BHA has stressed, in agreement with other sports, that "there is no need to develop a policy regarding abandonment of any specific fixtures at this time."

In the last 24 hours the number of coronavirus cases in Britain increased by three to 20, including a first in Wales, and governments around the world are announcing arrangements to limit crowds to help in the fight against the spread of the deadly virus.

The Swiss government has banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people as a precautionary measure, while racing in Japan and Hong Kong and some of this weekend's Serie A matches in Italy will take place behind closed doors.

Japan is one of the worst affected countries with 226 cases so far. Paddy Power on Friday made the opening ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo a 4-6 shot to be called off.

Betfair's exchange market on whether day one of the Cheltenham Festival on March 10 would go ahead fared only a little better as of 9am on Saturday.

‘No’ opened at 4.1 and has traded at a high of 4.4 since the market was created on Tuesday, but the festival has since shortened to 2.62 (13-8) to be called off, and drifted to 1.59 (4-7) to go ahead.

The BHA’s statement on Friday said: “At present racing continues as usual and the sport remains in agreement that there is no need to develop a policy regarding abandonment of any specific fixtures due to coronavirus at this time.

“We will continue to speak to government and should a situation arise where this is required then the sport has established mechanisms in place for handling such scenarios.”

The statement added: “The industry group continues to liaise closely with government and plan for a range of contingencies. We would encourage everyone in racing to focus on the government’s advice on personal health and their advice to employers and businesses. These are the actions that in the view of public health experts are the most important at this stage.

“Speculation about potential actions from government or racing, whilst wholly understandable in the circumstances, may simply distract from the advice on which the population is being asked to focus.”

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app