Racing halted again in parts of France

Racing will cease in four areas of France that have recently experienced spikes in COVID-19 cases, the French racing authority announced Tuesday.

The affected areas, known as prefectures, all are in the northern part of the country and include Paris, and among the racecourses in the order are Longchamp, Chantilly, and Saint-Cloud. The four prefectures have been classified as COVID-19 “red zones” by the French government and will be subject to more stringent rules governing public activities.

Olivier Delloye, CEO of France Galop, French racing’s governing body, tweeted on Tuesday that “no fixture will be lost.” Major upcoming stakes, like the French 2000 and 1000 Guineas, that were to be contested at Longchamp could be moved to a still-operating venue, such as Deauville, and France Galop is working to arrange a revised racing schedule.

Racing in France stopped March 17 but, after vigorous government lobbying by France Galop, was permitted to resume spectator-free May 11.