Andrew Nelis racing

Jockeys and stalls handlers are among those who will be required to wear masks under the protocols drawn up by the British Horseracing Authority ahead of the planned resumption of racing on June 1. The 33-page document outlines a series of measures to be employed should racing get the Government go-ahead to return to action for the first time since March. Completion of an online education module and screening of all participants before they are allowed to attend an event form the initial stage of the protocols, with further health-related questions and temperature checks carried out before people are allowed to enter racecourses

Ruby Walsh believes enforcing social distancing should not prove too much of an issue when racing eventually resumes. There has been no racing in Britain since March 17, while Ireland called a halt to their action on March 24 after staging 10 meetings behind closed doors. Social distancing was being enforced on those tracks while they raced, with limited numbers of people on course, but Walsh feels even fewer attendees would be possible if necessary. Speaking in a Q&A session for racingtv.com, Walsh said: “It’s not that difficult to do it once you close the gates and there are no spectators, no bookmakers and no owners. I don’t even know if trainers need to be there, apart from those with smaller numbers of staff. “You could go even further. With no connections, jockeys would not need to congregate in the parade ring. They could walk straight out 10 minutes before the off, get on the horse and go straight to the start. “With enough will – and if you were looking to make ...