Trainer Richard Newland says he is trying to get his horses ready for the prospect of a return to jumps action in July.
The BHA announced earlier this week that the enforced break for racing, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, has been extended indefinitely. Despite this, there have been suggestions that flat racing could return next month, behind closed doors.
But for the National Hunt trainers, it looks like it will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their horses back on the track, with the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and BHA discussing with them the potential for extra races added to the schedule
Newland, who enjoyed Grand National success with Pineau De Re in 2014, is hoping that racing bosses will offer some clarity soon as to when jumps racing might be able to return.
The Worcester-based handler told the Racing Post: “We're still planning to have plenty of horses for this summer. It's been very frustrating, but it has been for everyone.
“The plan for the resumption of racing has felt like Flat first and jumps second. It's debatable whether that was really necessary but having some clarity of a possible return date is helpful.”
Newland went on to add that his belief is that if they can “restart by the beginning of July” then there is the prospect of a “normal summer schedule behind closed doors”.
