Racing returns to York this week

Racing returns to the Knavesmire this week - and we're being advised to stay away.

The first event to take place since lockdown began is being held behind closed doors at York Racecourse, with strict social distancing measures in place for jockeys, trainers and support staff.

The Dante and Musidora stakes are among the races running on Thursday afternoon.

The racecourse has said in a statement:

"Although racing resumed “behind closed doors” at the start of June, York has waited until Thursday 9 July to get its season underway, starting with a unique and high quality card including the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante, Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora and Listed European Breeders’ Fund  Marygate Stakes.

These feature contests will all be covered by ITV Racing with each of the bumper nine contests run above industry agreed values so helping owners, trainers, jockeys and racing staff, so, in turn, the wider racing economy.  

The Dante and Musidora usually play leading roles in signposting the favourites for the Epsom Classics, but this most unusual of years will see these races staged after the Investec Derby and Oaks." 

The racecourse is on York Knavesmire, which is open to the public. But James Brennan from the racecourse says they're trying to discourage people from gathering on the Knavesmire to watch. He told Minster FM:

"People have been using the Knavesmire for their daily exercise and that's great but we're encouraging them not to linger to watch the horses, for social distancing reasons. There will be screens and fences up at key points along the track anyway but we would suggest people schedule their exercise away from the 12 to 6 pm time."

You can hear the full interview with Jerry Ibbotson here:

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