International Horses May Run in Guineas, Coronation Cup

Foreign-trained runners will be allowed to run in the first two classics of the disrupted British flat season, the British Horseracing Authority has confirmed. 

The news could be music to the ears of Aidan O'Brien, Ireland's champion trainer who has won four of the past five runnings of the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1) and three of the past four of the One Thousand Guineas (G1).

No overseas runners, however, will be allowed to run in listed, group 2, and group 3 races until June 15, and no internationally trained horses will be permitted to take part in any races of class 2 level and below until further notice due to concerns about elimination levels.

The plan is for racing in Britain to resume June 1, with the first group 1 of the season, the Coronation Cup, due to take place June 5 at Newmarket.

Foreign-trained runners will be permitted in that contest as well as the Two Thousand Guineas and One Thousand Guineas over the following two days.

The BHA said the decision was made following discussions with the flat pattern committee as well as colleagues in France and Ireland.

"These discussions have been held against the backdrop of an overriding desire to see racing resume in Britain as soon as possible, with all the necessary protocols in place, such that we can ensure that racing can continue and ultimately revert to its pre-agreed program," A BHA statement said. "Should racing resume on this date (June 1), it is agreed that protecting ourselves against unnecessary risk in the opening few weeks is a responsible and proportionate approach. 

"As a result, foreign-trained runners will only be permitted to run in the three group 1 races taking place in Britain during the first fortnight … in order to help facilitate a safe and smooth resumption."

The BHA has also taken action to ensure the juvenile races at Royal Ascot feature the best horses.

For the first eight days of racing after resumption, trainers will be asked to identify specific horses that they would like to see given priority against elimination from any division of the currently programmed 2-year-old races.

Trainers who qualify for the priority system will be contacted over the weekend to be informed of the number of nominations open to them.

"This is clearly an unprecedented step but is intended to help ensure the fields at Royal Ascot are made up of the best horses where possible," the BHA added.