French racing gets Presidential approval for Monday resumption Despite reports of a possible last-minute threat to the plan French racing will resume on Monday with three race meetings behind closed doors. A report on Friday suggested a late challenge may be made to the Government’s decision to allow racing to return in France, with cards scheduled at ParisLongchamp, Compiegne and Toulouse but French President Emmanuel Macron has now given the sport the green light to commence. France Galop and its trotting equivalent issued a joint statement on Friday evening confirming they had been in discussions regarding the resumption plans. The statement read: “Since this morning, some alarmist reports have been circulating regarding the resumption of racing on May 11 in France, which have given racing professionals rise to legitimate concern. “France Galop and LeTROT have worked tirelessly throughout the day to continue to convince the parties concerned of the absolute necessity to resume racing as planned and organised on May 11.” France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild tweeted late on Friday night to confirm clearance had been given for the action to recommence. He said: “I wanted to win this race more than any of the others. Together we did it! Resumption of races is accepted. Let’s show them that they were right!” In the tweet, Rothschild thanked French President Emmanuel Macron, his prime minister and minister of agriculture, as well as former presidential candidate Francois Bayrou and the mayor of Deauville, Philippe Augier. Racing has been on hold in France since March 17 due to the coronavirus crisis.
