Five crucial projects that can help racing survive and thrive in second lockdown

The announcement of a second English lockdown on Saturday was an excruciating omnishambles in the finest tradition of British politics, but when at last word came that elite sport, including racing, could continue behind closed doors it represented a moment of huge relief, and success, for the sport.

Surviving the lockdown cull means racing does not tumble headlong into the abyss. Crucial revenue will continue to flow via media rights and levy, albeit at a much reduced rate now all betting shops in England, Wales and Ireland are shuttered.

There are many worse off. Retail, hospitality and travel have all been devastated by the news, while in racing the little-acknowledged fate of on-course bookmakers – denied the opportunity to earn a living for seven months and counting – is little short of a tragedy.