CLASSIC WAY TO RETURN

THE 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas will be run on the first weekend of the coronavirus-ravaged 2020 Flat season.

- DAVID YATES

ROYAL DATE: Stradivarius could still defend his Ascot Gold Cup title in June

In the wake of Boris Johnson’s COVID-19 lockdown update last Sunday, the British Horseracing Authority, initially hopeful of resuming in mid-May, pencilled in June 1 for racing’s restart.

And the Newmarket Classics, moved last month to June 6 and 7– Royal Ascot is still scheduled to take place between June 16 and 20 – are to remain on those revised dates, the Authority announced yesterday.

The news means that connections seeking a Guineas tune-up must go overseas.