The Epsom Derby Could Be Ran In July

This year’s Epsom Derby which is currently scheduled in the racing fixture list for Saturday 6th June could be ran in July if the British Horseracing Authority’s best case scenario resumption plan was to materialise. 

In a statement released today, the Authority spells out its plans to resume UK flat horse racing as soon as conditions allow. No date is being ruled out and the BHA is working on the basis of a reduced fixture list taking place behind closed doors.

The timing of any recommencement of the racing programme will be dependent upon the UK government easing some of the lockdown restrictions currently in place. 

The best case scenario plan also envisages that the 1000 and 2000 Guineas could be ran at Newmarket in early June and that Royal Ascot will proceed on its current scheduled date of June 16th. 

The ante-post betting market for the 2020 Epsom Derby is currently very open with Pinatubo favourite at odds of 7/1 with Betfred and 888Sport. The Derby is one of the most prestigious races in the UK flat racing calendar and is open only to 3 year old colts. 

Punters looking to grab some advice on the race before placing a bet should visit the Winners Enclosure, a well known online community for horse racing tips. 

Pinatubo is also the ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas with best odds currently of 11/8 with Skybet . The Charlie Appleby trained colt ended last season by winning the Dewhurst Stakes in impressive style and ended the year as the highest rated 2 year old since Celtic Swing in 1994. 

The BHA also revealed in today’s statement that plans are being made to schedule a jumps racing programme from July 1st based largely around the original scheduled jump fixtures. The authority has stressed that a key consideration in it’s planning has been to minimise the risk of injury or incident so as not to increase the pressure on the National Health Service.