By Sean Cronin
Germany gains a welcome foothold in Europe, today, as the first of the continent’s big five racing jurisdictions to reopen for business and, with France preparing for a Monday restart too, the enforced period of inactivity appearsto be at an end. Scandinavia has kept the ball rolling while elsewhere lay dormant, but now the spotlightshines on Hannover, which plays host to the country’s first Thoroughbred race since Stall vom Odon’s 9-year-old gelding Kitaneso (GB) (Medicean {GB}) prevailed in a 13 1/2-furlong selling heat, the closing act of Dortmund’s Mar. 8 all-weather fixture.
Munich-Daglfing staged a trotting meet one week later just before lockdown was imposed. Deutscher Gallop, with governmental approval obtained Tuesday, hasissued a comprehensive list of mandatory measures to be met along with implementing a stringent admission protocol across all venues. Spectators are strictly forbidden access to racetracks, but so too are owners. Trainers have been granted permission to oversee their runners and there is a two-attendant limit per horse. Foreign runners will not be permitted, although this policy will be reviewed ahead of Dusseldorf’s May 16 meet.
