THE racing industry’s appetite for a restart was made clear on Tuesday with an incredible 369 entries for Newcastle on 1 June.
The track is set to host the first race meeting in Britain since Taunton and Wetherby staged behind-closed-doors action on March 17.
It has been a long wait, but racing looks increasingly likely to return from a 76-day shutdown on Monday afternoon.
The eight-race card is due to commence at 1pm with a Class 6 handicap over a mile – with the opening contest receiving 57 entries.
The 6f Callerton Novice Stakes and the 1m2f Annitsford Maiden Stakes, both for three-year-olds and up, have proved particularly popular, drawing 64 and 68 contenders respectively.
The Hazelrigg Handicap over 1m4f has drawn the smallest entry with 29, but with all races limited to 12 runners due to BHA restrictions there will be hundreds of horses balloted out.
More to follow
