Guineas entry-stage move means we can act quickly when sport resumes - Newmarket

The cancellation of all entries for the Qipco 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May were part of racing's plan to react as quickly and flexibly as possible when getting the all-clear to resume the sport.

Last week, the BHA put action on hold until at least the end of April as a result of increased social-distancing measuring implemented by the government, and the withdrawal of medical support for mass gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

That decision would be "under constant review", according to BHA chief executive Nick Rust, but under the current timetable the first two Classics of the season on May 2-3 would be going ahead as planned, albeit with likely measures in place to mitigate against the potential spread of the virus.

On Thursday, the BHA announced that early-closing deadlines had been suspended and those races would revert to normal six-day entries, while those engaged in the two Guineas, which were due to have additional confirmation stages on April 21 and April 27, would have their entries cancelled and moved to normal entries conditions.

Amy Starkey: 'We're lucky at Newmarket in that we're used to staging these big races'Credit: Edward Whitaker

The move provoked questions about the likelihood of the Classics taking place in their scheduled slots, but Amy Starkey, Jockey Club regional director for the east region, said it would instead allow the sport to kick into gear in a faster and smoother manner.

She said: "We wanted to put ourselves and everyone involved in the race in the best possible position for when we get back up and running.

"We're lucky at Newmarket in that we're used to staging these big races, and we all want to be able to move as fast as we can when racing can take place."

Racing's leaders are finalising a plan to put to government that is set to include details about how the sport can resume following the shutdown, with positive talks reportedly taking place between different sectors of the industry about what is needed for a quick resumption.

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing, which sponsors the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas via Qipco Holdings, said: "I think the decision to cancel the entries is a good move and is to be applauded. It's making sure the right horses are engaged in the races as we don't have the usual trials this year, which is going to make a difference.

"We were aware something like this was coming as it was going to allow racing to restart as quickly as possible, and that's what we all want when it can happen."

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