Racing in Italy set to restart this week following protests around the country

Racing is to resume on Wednesday behind closed doors at San Siro in Italy, one of Europe's worst-hit countries from the coronavirus.

Agreement was reached last week, following a number of protests around the country, notably Pisa, Naples and Milan. Another protest was scheduled in Rome on Monday before the Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte, along with health and agriculture ministers, confirmed the sport could restart this week.

Meetings must be held behind closed doors and racing has been permitted to return because of its role in supporting the Italian economy, while the suspension had stopped income for many in the industry. The strict measures will last until July.

The San Siro racecourse is in Milan - one of the worst hit regions by the coronavirus outbreak – while the other major racecourse, the Capanelle in Rome, will return to action on Friday.

The Italian 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas have been rescheduled for June 14, with the Oaks now on July 5 and the Derby on July 12.

Among those vying for the sport to resume was the Aipacaa's, the equivalent of the owners' association, president Gian Mario Carboni.

He told newspaper L'Unione Sarda: "France and Germany have started running again behind closed doors for about ten days, we must do it too because the losses are huge and concern thousands of workers including jockeys, trainers, breeders, craftsmen, veterinarians, farriers, judges and all related activities related to the horse, which produces more than two jobs for each specimen. And on the island we have 500 sport horses to remain only to those who compete, without mentioning the mares and the foals."

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