Owners welcomed back in Scotland with Musselburgh to open doors next week

The Scottish government has approved plans for owners to return to racecourses in the country next week.

Owners will be able to start attending meetings in England on Saturday, with two test events taking place at Southwell and Kempton today, and they will be welcomed back in Scotland at Musselburgh on Friday week, subject to the trials proving successful.

Musselburgh's chief executive Bill Farnsworth said: "I can't say how pleased we are to be welcoming back owners. For me, racing without owners is a means to an end. We'll aim to give them the best possible experience within the restrictions we have to operate in."

Owners will still face limitations, with a maximum of two owners or representatives per horse able to attend, and there will be safety and infection control measures in place in alignment with government guidance.

While the resumption of racing in England took place behind closed doors on June 1, Scotland's first fixture since lockdown resumed on June 22.

Ayr: welcoming back owners from Monday, July 13Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ayr will race on Monday but will remain off limits to owners as the course prepares for their return on July 13.

"This is another very significant step back along the road to the day when we can enjoy a more integrated raceday experience," said the track's managing director David Brown.

"Owners are the lifeblood of our sport and by introducing these carefully structured plans they will be able to return to the course to watch their horses in action while complying with the safety procedures.

"We were the first racecourse in Scotland to stage a behind closed doors meeting following the Covid-19 shutdown and I look forward to welcoming owners here from Monday, July 13."

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