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Racing

"Not that difficult" to resume racing behind closed doors - Ruby Walsh

Ruby Walsh believes racing is well placed to resume soon as it's already shown it can operate wit...



Racing

"Not that difficult" to resume racing behind closed doors - Ruby Walsh

Ruby Walsh believes racing is well placed to resume soon as it's already shown it can operate with social distancing measures in place. 

10 cards took place behind closed doors in Ireland before horse racing was halted on March the 24th and Walsh says those conditions are a blueprint for resuming the sport.

"It's not that difficult to do it once you close the gates and there are no spectators, no bookmakers and no owners," the former champion jockey told racingtv.com. "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."

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