BHA set out strict protocols for safe return of racing behind closed doors including no naughty horses and facemasks

THE BHA have asked trainers not to send naughty horses to the races when the sport restarts.

In strict safety protocols published on Saturday, the authority asked handlers ‘to assist with the smooth running of racedays by avoiding sending any difficult or “fractious” horses.’

The 33 page document also revealed that facemasks would be sent to yards directly that MUST be worn at the track.

Ten coverings will be sent to all stables before the resumption and more can be ordered if trainers feel the need.

Discussions with jockeys over their masks remain ongoing. The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) are in discussions with the Resumption Group after tests were carried out.

But showers and saunas will be out of bounds and no food bar bottled water will be provided. The changing rooms will be a complete different proposition with social distancing enforced and blocks marked off to stop weighing room mates from sitting close to one another.

All attendees will have their temperature checked on entry and two readings over 37.8C will be enough to be turned away.

A questionnaire must be filled in prior to arrival at the track and to the relied of veteran trainers like Mick Channon and Sir Mark Prescott, over 70s have not been banned from the track like in Ireland.

The BHA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Brant Dunshea, said: "Racing has been able to develop its guidelines based on our experience of operating bio-secure environments to control the spread of infection in horses, and a robust approach to regulation and enforcing the rules.

"Our trainers, jockeys and staff carry out their roles in a highly disciplined way because working with horses always carries risks.

"I am very confident they will adapt quickly to this new set of measures designed to protect them from transmission of the virus."

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