BHA answers criticism over Covid-19 delays

The UK horse racing regulator has defended its Chief Executive from calls to quit over restart delays following Coronavirus lockdown.

UK.- The British Horse Racing Authority has had to defend its Chief Executive from calls to quit over its handling of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Several prominent trainers called on Nick Rust to stand down immediately over the BHA’s lack of preparedness for restarting racing during the pandemic.

There have been no races held in the UK since March 17. Many trainers criticised the BHA for supporting a continued suspension of races that they say is damaging the industry.

The calls to quit came from a number of trainers, including Mark Johnston, the record holder for most British wins, and Ralph Beckett, who trained three Classic winners.

Beckett wrote in an email to the BHA, leaked to the Daily Telegraph, “The widespread view is that the BHA is more concerned with public perception than its participants – this cannot continue.”

The BHA defended its response and said in a statement that: “Our staff are focusing their efforts right now on planning for the resumption of racing as soon as possible.”

French racing has announced plans to hold races without spectators, but the UK and Ireland have yet to announce dates for resuming racing.

The BHA has also been criticised for proposing that when racing does restart, it could limit races to a maximum of 12 runners. It has also suggested that it would allow only senior jockeys to compete.

The Irish Jockeys’ Association (IJA) has announced that it does not intend to take similar measures and that all jockeys will be able to compete as soon as racing restarts in Ireland.