Noughts and crosses in the paddock but racecourse life is no game

As envious eyes are cast across the water at the resumption of racing in France, all enjoyment must be consumed via the television or some other screen version.

That is also the case of course for French punters and racing fans, as well as a large number of owners, breeders and stable staff, such are the strictures of putting the show on behind closed doors.

While the authorities are keen to push the message that racing is back – and safely so at that – the limits on numbers apply to the messengers every bit as much as the practitioners, with a strict limit of five media representatives per meeting.