BHA approves Good Friday plan

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed it has approved the principle of racing on Good Friday next year ahead of the publication of the 2014 fixture list.

The BHA agreed to take applications from racecourses to stage meetings on the bank holiday last month, despite opposition from some racing professionals, as open days in the training centres of Lambourn and Middleham are traditionally staged on Good Friday. The details of which courses will race on Good Friday is still to be confirmed, though the fixtures will remain under the control of BHA.

A BHA press release read: “Racecourses were asked to submit applications and extensive consultation also took place with stakeholders and interested parties enabling the Board to assess the proposal with all feedback taken into consideration and to take a view in the best interests of the sport overall.”