Postcard From Paris: patience required as on-course closed-door policy remains

Paris is beginning to look more like its old self, with businesses coming out of their coronavirus-induced mothballing and pavement cafe culture returning to the capital.

There is an air of relief, of literally being able to breathe, as a citizenry that cherishes its open spaces more than most emerges from weeks and months of confinement.

Putting aside the environmental benefits of the situation – fewer people venturing outdoors in their cars made the air in Paris more breathable for a time – the sight of Parisians celebrating the piecemeal return of their 'art de vivre' has inevitably turned minds in the racing community towards thoughts of when racecourses might welcome back their public.