Everything you need to know as racing prepares to resume on Monday

After a 76-day shutdown, horseracing in Britain is poised to return at Newcastle on Monday. The industry is raring to go and Monday's card certainly provides racing fans with plenty to look forward to. Here's everything you need to know about how it works, how to follow the action, and how to bet.

How does racing work behind closed doors?

Racing returns in a unique way on Monday with strict regulations set out by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Limited numbers of people will be on course and field sizes are restricted to 12 in most races.

Everyone will be subject to temperature screening on arrival and people are encouraged to wear facemasks. Social distancing is to be enforced and the operation will be closely monitored as more racecourses stage action later in the week.

What will the racing programme look like?

With two months of the Flat racing calendar wiped out, expect to see of a lot of competitive racing this season – there is an early indication of this in Newcastle's ten-race card. All races have the maximum of 12 runners declared.

The history-making first race is the Betway Live Casino Handicap, which will be due off at 1.00.

Newcastle to host ten-race card on Monday following 120 declarations for return

Newcastle's card consists of six handicaps for more seasoned horses and four races for unexposed types to step forward. It is a fascinating card, especially the Betway Maiden Stakes at 5.40.

Champion Flat trainer John Gosden took subsequent stable stars Enable and Stradivarius to Newcastle to break their maidens – and the well-bred Frankly Darling is one to keep an eye on.

How can I follow the action?

The action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing and is part of a stellar Monday line-up that also includes the French 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas at Deauville.

Ahead of the broadcast, keep an eye on racingpost.com for all of the latest news and updates on the meeting, plus build-up to a brilliant weekend of top-quality weekend of racing.

You can also follow all the racing action on the move by placing a bet via the Racing Post website or app.

How can I bet on the racing?

Betting shops remain closed under the current lockdown restrictions – it is hoped they will open on June 15, the day before Royal Ascot – but it is still easy enough to bet online with your chosen bookmaker.

You can also place a bet directly when studying the form on our website or app. You can securely login to your account with any of the major bookmakers and place your bet direct from the racecard.

If you aren't registered it is easy to create an account, and take advantage of sign-up offers, just click here.

Where can I find some winners for Newcastle?

Finding winners is never simple but rest assured the Racing Post's expert tipsters, including renowned experts Tom Segal (Pricewise) and Paul Kealy, are on hand to try to kick off the Flat season with a bang. You can follow their selections on the website's tipping section from 6pm on Sunday or pick up a copy of the newspaper on Monday.

Enable: one of the most famous winners at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

If you prefer finding your own selections, take a look at the racecard here and don't miss our in-depth previews, which will be packed full of pointers and thoughts from connections and available from 6pm on Sunday online.

Who are the trainers and jockeys to watch at Newcastle?

Prior to racing's shutdown, jockey Ben Curtis was in flying form at Newcastle with 16 winners and a 29 per cent strike-rate. Danny Tudhope is another rider to note as he had a 24 per cent strike-rate at the track last season.

Trainers David Barron, Richard Fahey and Antony Brittain all kicked off 2020 in fine style but it is the John Gosden-trained runners who are always worth watching. He has an impressive 36 per cent strike-rate at Newcastle.

Read more:

'The long break is nearly over' – BHA confident of Monday restart for racing

ITV to broadcast 21 races across opening three days of coverage next week

BHA publishes list of 163 two-year-olds their trainers desperately want to run

The Racing Post newspaper will be back in shops to mark the return of British racing on Monday, June 1! With extensive coverage of all the racing, interviews with the biggest names, tipping from our renowned experts, writing from the likes of Alastair Down and all the cards and form, it's your unmissable guide to all the action. Pick up your copy on Monday.