Guineas takes centre stage in UK return

Racing is set for a high-profile return when it resumes, with provisional plans to stage the 2000 and 1000 Guineas on the first weekend in June remaining unchanged following the government’s announcement that professional sport cannot restart before June 1.

The British Horseracing Authority had initially inked in Guineas trials on the penultimate weekend in May under its “best-case scenario” planning outlined earlier this month, but with racing unable to restart as quickly as hoped, Classic contenders will head to Newmarket without a prep run.

The 2000 Guineas remains in its slot on June 6, with the 1000 Guineas 24 hours later, although all plans remain subject the Government giving sport clearance to resume behind closed doors.

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Royal Ascot is also still set for its scheduled position of June 16-20, although “some changes to the order of races” at the meeting are likely, details of which “will be confirmed as soon as possible”.

The Derby and Oaks will be scheduled for July 4, with the Eclipse moved back a day to the Sunday, July 5.

The BHA said that “under these circumstances, the Eclipse would be restricted to four-years-old and upwards”.