York chief fears loss of Dante fixture and says shutdown is a 'big worry'

York chief executive William Derby said on Wednesday that the racecourse is ready to stage its showpiece Dante meeting in six weeks' time but that he would not be surprised if the suspension of British racing continues beyond its current end-point and rules out the fixture taking place.

Derby also admitted that – unlike Royal Ascot and Jockey Club Racecourses's showpiece events such as the Derby and the Grand National – York is not insured for the loss of its fixtures and said a prolonged shutdown would have a significant financial impact.

Ascot and Jockey Club set to be protected by insurance if biggest days are lost