WHAT dreadful times with no end in sight as we remain in lockdown for the safety of all. Normally we'd be looking ahead to the reappearance of classic contenders, but we are still unsure as to when racing will resume and what impact the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown will have on the flat season.

With Wimbledon gone in Britain, the Open and events later in the year like the Edinburgh Festival also cancelled, Royal Ascot had no chance of going ahead. And the first classics are now in doubt, with hopes to fit them into a shortened season. Resumption before July looks tentative at best, while our flat season is on hold.