The devolved Scottish government announced it was entering Phase 2 of its COVID-19 lockdown exit strategy, with elite football, rugby and racing able to resume from Monday, behind closed doors with suitable health protection measures in place.

Scottish Racing and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed the first racing fixture since 16 March will take place at Ayr Racecourse, without spectators on 22 June.

The meeting will be the first of three to take place in the first week of Scottish racing’s resumption, with two scheduled at Hamilton Park on 24 and 28 June.

The BHA welcomed the move, mentioning that horseracing is Scotland’s second most attended sport annually, generating more than £300m ($371m) yearly for the Scottish economy.

The return of Scottish racing will also mean thoroughbred racing will have resumed safely across Great Britain, which first returned in England on 1 June, under strict social distancing, medical screening and other safety protocols.

BHA CEO Nick Rust, said: “I am very pleased that Scottish racing is returning safely from next Monday.

“It is a sign of horseracing’s preparedness that we are the first major sport to return in Scotland as the recovery from COVID-19 continues. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Scottish Government in enabling this risk-managed return.”