British Racing has confirmed that racecourse meetings will return on Sunday 11 September while the sport remains in mourning of Queen Elizabeth II.
Racing had been suspended on Thursday and Friday as a mark of respect to the monarch’s passing, and their latest announcement has revealed that racing remains suspended for Saturday 10 September as the sport that Her Majesty had such an affinity with, continues to grieve her death.
Meetings will restart on Sunday everywhere except Musselburgh due to the Queen’s body lying in rest in Edinburgh.
Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s affinity and bond with British racing was enduring and unique, and a number of our sport’s participants have a close, direct relationship with her.
"It is out of respect for this, and in sympathy with her family including His Majesty King Charles III, that the sport has taken the decision to continue our suspension of fixtures into Saturday.
"The return of racing on Sunday will see the running of one of Britain’s five Classic races, and also provide an opportunity for the sport and its supporters to pay its respects to Her Majesty, for the contribution which she has made to the sport to be marked, and for racing to express its deep gratitude to her and sympathies to her family.”
David Thorpe, Chairman of Arena Racing Company added: “The British horseracing industry has lost a true patron and figurehead.
“As a mark of respect, we collectively took the decision to cease all racing from Thursday evening but will return with meetings on Sunday, including the amended fixture at Doncaster.
“It will feature the Cazoo St Leger Stakes and other races that were due to take place on Friday and Saturday. Our gratitude goes to all of our customers and our fellow industry stakeholders and hope that the day might offer an opportunity to mark Her Majesty’s lifelong love for our wonderful sport.”
