RUBY Walsh has become the latest big name to throw their weight behind racing’s punter free resumption plans.
The legendary ex-jockey sees no issues with the plans drawn up that would see only a limited number of people on the racecourse and thinks racing could be one of the first sports back.
No date has been set for any return of racing, but it has been confirmed numerous times that no crowds will be at the races until at least the end of June.
Walsh said: “It’s not that difficult to do it once you close the gates and there are no spectators, no bookmakers and no owners. I don’t even know if trainers need to be there, apart from those with smaller numbers of staff.
“You could go even further. With no connections, jockeys would not need to congregate in the parade ring. They could walk straight out 10 minutes before the off, get on the horse and go straight to the start.
“With enough will – and if you were looking to make it work – it is easy to do it and I think you can keep people a safe distance apart while you are at it.
“They have an opportunity to make a case, but this country will be led by the health people. When they make a decision that’s when we will know when there is a resumption of normal life, let alone racing. Everyone will be guided by what they say.”
Walsh also thinks the fact that racing has already proven it can race behind closed doors will stand it in good stead moving forwards.
Speaking on Racing TV, he added: “They have a blueprint and they refined it from one meeting to the next.
“Racing has some big challenges to face and overcome but I think it can and, being a solitary sport, it has a bigger chance of resuming sooner than a lot of team sports.
“There is a golden opportunity for racing to showcase itself to a much broader audience in the coming weeks and months.”
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