Resumption of Racing Halted in Germany

Plans for the resumption of racing in Germany have been halted following the postponement of the May 4 meeting at Dortmund.

Hopes were high that the fixture, which had attracted 69 declarations across eight races, would be given the green light, but it has not received the necessary approval.

Racing has been on hold in Germany since March due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the racing club explained: "Unfortunately, in consultation with the city of Dortmund, there is no short-term chance of ensuring legally compliant implementation."

Germany's next meeting scheduled to take place is at Hanover, a 12-race card, on Thursday. A new date for the postponed Monday meeting at Dortmund will be announced next week.

Deutscher Galopp president Michael Vesper said: "It is a real shame that Dortmund cannot restart after a break of almost two months.

"According to the hygiene concept developed by us, there is no risk of infection from 'ghost races' on the extensive racetracks, which has also been confirmed by local health authorities."

He added: "We have received a lot of understanding from the state with our concerns, but unfortunately after the meeting of the chancellor with the heads of state, the time was obviously not yet ripe for opening.

"We will continue to talk to the responsible authorities."

Dortmund Racing Club Frustrated

The reopening of playgrounds, zoos, museums, and churches was permitted in Germany on Thursday, but travel restrictions and general COVID-19 restrictions on public life have been maintained.

No overseas runners will be allowed to compete in Germany until May 31, although Deutscher Galopp will review the situation on May 15.

A six-week program involving races mostly run for 50% prize-money with a minimum pool of €3,000 had been published during the planning stages for racing's return behind closed doors in Germany.

Andreas Tiedtke, president of the Dortmund racing club, expressed his frustration and disappointment. Quoted by Deutscher Galopp, he said: "While paying visitors are now visiting the zoo, our breeding professionals and racing clubs are left with the massive restrictions on our fundamental rights. 

"Where is the proportionality of the measures if zoos allow one person per ten square meters of space, whereas we could even grant 120 square meters per person to professionals?"