English racing to resume June 1; Irish racing returns June 8

Racing will return in England on June 1 and in Ireland on June 8. Cards will be conducted spectator-free for the foreseeable future, but horsemen and bettors alike expressed relief and satisfaction when plans to restart the flat-racing season in two of Europe’s major jurisdictions were formed late last week.

Racing was halted throughout Europe in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Germany was the first country to begin racing again this month, with France hosting its first post-pandemic program May 11 at Longchamp.

English racing returns with an all-weather program June 1 at Newcastle and will quickly resume its stakes schedule; the English 2000 Guineas will be run June 6, the 1000 Guineas the following day at Newmarket.

The first card in Ireland will take place at Naas, with the Irish 2000 Guineas set for June 12 and the Irish 1000 Guineas scheduled for June 13.