Jersey's horse racing community hopeful of return to normality

Trainers, jockeys and stable owners in Jersey are looking ahead with optimism to the return of horse racing in the island.

The Bank Holiday weekend would normally mark the beginning of the new season for the sport in the island, but the course at Les Landes has been silent since Jersey entered its first lockdown in March 2020.

By the time the first race is due to take place on Friday 25 June 2021, the track will have seen no action in almost two years.

There were concerns that further delays may have spelt the end for the sport in the island.

From Monday 12 April, capacity limits will be lifted at sporting events in Jersey as social distancing becomes 'guidance' rather than being enshrined in law.

While the race course is excited to welcome back spectators, the course itself will need something of a makeover with railings needing to be replaced or repainted and resurfacing work required on the track.

The Guernsey Race Club confirmed that the island's 2021 racing season has been postponed and are hopeful action can return in 2022.