Key questions answered as racing becomes the first sport back in Britain

Why is racing the first professional sport in Britain to return behind closed doors?

Monday marks the first day sports are allowed to take place behind closed doors in Britain, and racing is first out of the gate. While other sports such as football require a period of fitness work before being able to resume, racehorses have been kept in training throughout lockdown with stable staff observing social distancing at yards across Britain. Britain's cross-industry Resumption of Racing Group has worked over recent weeks to plan for the sport's return, having regular contact with Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport officials and Public Health England.

What are the protocols to keep participants safe and prevent the spread of the virus?

Professionals attending the races have to complete an online coronavirus education module, a health questionnaire every seven days and undergo temperature screening on arrival at the track. Social distancing will be observed wherever possible with racecourses making many adjustments to minimise risk, including one-way routes around the stable yard and weighing-room partitioning. Potential coronavirus flare-ups in the racing community are set to be identified through a surveillance system launched by the BHA.

Why is the first meeting at Newcastle?

The first two days of racing will take place on the all-weather, with jockey fall rates lowest on the artificial surface. Newcastle is joined by an all-weather card at Kempton on Tuesday, before Yarmouth stages the first turf fixture on Wednesday.

Will racing be any different from before?

Racedays will look a little different, with no spectators, of course, and jockeys, trainers, stable staff and many officials wearing PPE or a suitable face covering. A maximum of 12 horses can run in each race at Newcastle.

Where can I watch it?

Racing from Newcastle will be televised by Sky Sports Racing. Racing TV's coverage kicks off at Kempton on Tuesday. Radio listeners will be able to hear commentary from Newcastle on Monday on talkSPORT2 with coverage starting at midday. Seven races from Newmarket and Lingfield will be shown on ITV4 on Friday before terrestrial coverage moves to ITV on Saturday and Sunday. Punters who place a bet of £1 or more on the Racing Post app or website can watch races live too.

How can I bet?

Betting shops may open from June 15 in Britain and June 29 in Ireland but until then betting will be restricted to online. Punters can place their wagers with all the major bookmakers via the Racing Post website and app.

Read more:

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Racing is back! Government gives green light for British resumption on Monday

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The Racing Post newspaper is 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 today.