Johnny Ward

British racing resumed Monday, and Ireland will follow shortly. But betting shops are still locked away. With changing consumer patterns, a growing economic storm and a mega merger, just what happens when they reopen? And, how many will still trade one year on?

With no prize money handed out and betting shops closed, Covid-19 is taking its toll on racehorse owners, whose costs have remained high. A cascade of bloodstock sales trickling down all the way to breeders is now under threat.