When will horse racing resume? BHA confident Newcastle on Monday will get the go-ahead

Racing leaders are confident horse racing in Britain will resume as planned at the start of next week.

As maximum declarations were revealed for Monday's restart at Newcastle, the British Horseracing Authority said in a statement: "The long break is nearly over."

Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to ease the lockdown in Britain, raising hopes the first meeting since March 17 could be held.

A BHA spokesperson said: "We're counting down the hours to the return of racing and looking forward to official confirmation from the UK government after it has published its guidelines for the resumption of sport in the next day or so.

"This morning, we've been busy processing the declarations received for Newcastle's fixture on 1 June and we are now implementing our new medical screening procedures to ensure we safeguard those who plan to be there on Monday for racing's return."

Ten races of 12 runners make up the all-weather programme at Gosforth Park.

Both the ten-furlong Betway Maiden Stakes and the Betway Novice Stakes over six furlongs have divided.

The fixture marks the start of a top class opening week of action, featuring the Qipco 2000 and 1000 Guineas.

ITV revealed plans to show the first Classics in a line-up of 21 races from June 5-7.

Seven races each day on the channel will celebrate the sport's return after 11 weeks.

Monday also features the French Guineas meeting at Deauville.

Alson (9/2 from 6/1) attracted support with Ladbrokes for the colts' race earlier, while Tropbeau is solid at the top of the market for the fillies' Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.