Horse racing resumes behind closed doors at Great Yarmouth

Racing was held behind closed doors at Yarmouth on Wednesday. Credit: PA

Horse racing has returned to East Anglia for the first time start of lockdown, as races resumed behind closed doors at Great Yarmouth.

The racecourse has been closed since March because of coronavirus, but reopened on Wednesday.

Jockeys and trainers were told to wear face masks as part of strict hygiene protocols.

Horse racing was one of the first sports to re-start in the UK after the government gave the green light for it to resume without any spectators present.

John Gosden wears a face mask at Yarmouth. Credit: PA

Celestran, trained by Newmarket-based John Gosden, won the first race back at the course on Wednesday in the Head Your Hunch At Betway Handicap.

It was also the first flat race on turf in 2020, with Monday's races at Newcastle held on the all-weather track.

The first classic of the season, the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, will take place on Saturday - again behind closed doors.