People have continued to express their surprise after the Leicester races, scheduled to hold on the 30th of June, went on as planned.

Continuous rising in coronavirus cases in the city led to a lockdown that was imposed by Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, on Monday evening. However, the British Horseracing Association announced, late on Tuesday morning, that the races would still hold as scheduled.

The atmosphere around the track made it obvious  that something was amiss. Already, some horse owners had withdrawn their horses from the event after the announcement of the lockdown on Monday and did not feel safe bringing it back.

Besides that, only four stalls were set up in the venue since most stall owners refused to attend. According to Kate Hills, who works with Racetech, a company that employs stalls handlers, some of their workers were not comfortable with setting up stalls at the venue and there was no way they could find Replacements in such little time.

Mick Appleby, who is a local trainer, expressed his disbelief towards the fact that the racing was still allowed to go on. He said, “I cannot believe racing is still going ahead. For the safety of all my staff, I have decided to withdraw all my runners.” Appleby entered three horses into the races but had to withdraw them.

Graeme McPherson also entered his horse, Homing Star, into the event but had to pull her out. According to his statement on Twitter, “To race at Leicester when local businesses are being told they can’t open, residents are being told to stay home and everyone is being told to avoid non-essential travel to the city looks insensitive at best, and reckless at worst.”

A total of 18 horses were pulled out of the races out of 121. The BHA said they would not take any action against trainers who withdrew their horses. They also stated that they set up measures in place to protect the racers and everyone at the track. Spectators were also not allowed. The general of the racecourse, David Maykels, described the venue as “probably the safest place in Leicester.”

Written by: Leon Osamor