UK Live Sport Returns With Horse Racing And Snooker

Live sport will return to the UK with horse racing and snooker, as both sports prepare to host events from 1st June with the country easing lockdown restrictions.

Racing will return behind closed doors at Gosforth Park in Newcastle, with ten contests all of which will be limited to 12 starters, meaning 120 horses and jockeys will take part overall.

Meanwhile, Jockey Club Racecourses has confirmed it is set to stage 61 fixtures without spectators from June to August, across six racecourses around the country. 

Two racedays, on 2nd and 3rd June, will take place at Kempton Park, with races at Newmarket taking place from 4th to 7th June. The organisation has also confirmed that the Investec Derby and the Investec Oaks are scheduled to be staged at Epsom Downs on Saturday 4th July.

“Across British Racing, a huge amount of planning, effort and care has gone into ensuring we are ready to resume fixtures in the most responsible way,” said Delia Bushell, Group CEO, The Jockey Club.

“While we are not a human-contact sport, extensive plans are nevertheless in place to create the safest possible environment for participants. And as our horses have been kept exercised for their welfare throughout the suspension period, we’re able to resume quickly.

“Getting back is vital for so many livelihoods in our £4 billion British Racing industry, which plays an important role in the rural economy and in many communities around the UK.”

Meanwhile, snooker’s Championship League will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, where the event will run from the 1st to 11th June and will feature 64 players who are all staying in the facility’s accommodation, creating a self-enclosed environment.

“This is the first taster of what Matchroom.Live will provide year-round,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman, Barry Hearn. “Live coverage of major sport from across our group in territories where the event isn’t otherwise being broadcast.

“Safety is our highest priority on this event and it is thanks to our hard work and dedication that we are in a position for televised snooker action to return; the first major sporting event in the UK to do so.

“Fans out there have been starved of live sport and this is a fantastic boost and a very welcome diversion from these tough times we are all going through. I cannot wait to see players back at the table for Matchroom.Live Championship League.”