Horse racing gallops back onto television today – and bookies are expecting a betting frenzy.
It is hoped new fans will tune in to see some or all of the 10 races being run behind closed doors at Newcastle.
Tomorrow's meeting, and a Championship League snooker event from Milton Keynes, are the first sporting events taking place since the lockdown began.
The week will climax with two classics at Newmarket – the 2000 Guineas Stakes on Saturday and the 1,000 Guineas Stakes on Sunday – with no crowds.
Tomorrow's meeting at Newcastle is on Sky At The Races and ITV will be showing 21 races free this weekend.
ITV racing presenter Ed Chamberlin, who will host the action from his spare room, said: “It is a real chance for racing because it has pretty much got the sporting landscape to itself, it can really show off the thrill of our sport. Live sport is different because it is an unscripted drama. Racing is brilliant for that.”
Personnel at races will undergo health and safety checks such as filling in health questionnaires and having their temperatures taken. They will also have to adhere to social distancing rules and wear face coverings.
Trainer Dan Skelton said: “We are delighted to get back racing. It is great for the industry and for the country in general to have live sport back. I feel it’s only good news. Let’s hope we can all stay safe and move forward.”
Jockey Oisin Murphy said: “It’s terrific. They’ve been racing in a lot of other countries, such as France, and all we had to do was copy what they’ve done.
“All the jockeys are well versed and know what will be expected of us – we’re ready.
Racing was shut down on March 18, less than a week after the Cheltenham Festival.
A betting industry source predicted more than £30million will be gambled this week.
Bookie William Hill’s Rupert Adams said: “Despite being behind closed doors, we fully expect the product to hold up well – and sports fans are in for a fantastic first fortnight.”
Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “We are expecting a busier than normal Monday with a mammoth card at Newcastle, while the biggest draw will come at the weekend as ITV Racing stages three days of top class action.”
Amy Starkey, of The Jockey Club, said: “At a time when football, cricket, rugby and other sports in the UK are not yet back on our screens this is a great opportunity for horse racing to show people what a thrilling and exciting sport it is.
“Ordinarily many thousands of people would enjoy a weekend in Newmarket but this year the best seat in the house is in your own home in front of the TV."
