"It's racing, Jim, but not as we know it"

These are strange times.

Under guidance from the Scottish Government, Kelso's Monday race card will take place behind closed doors.
Effectively restricted to limited stable representatives per runner (jockey, trainer, team member), it is believed an owner can apply in person to be present but the overall number will be restricted to ensure the total, of this open air event, is not greater than 500.

It was interesting to listen on Saturday to the Scottish Government's senior adviser on the COVID-19 virus Professor Jason Leach. He made it quite clear that it is not large gatherings per se that are a threat to the spread of the virus.
On the contrary, his advice is that for any person following health guidance advice, open air events present a relatively low risk.
As opposed to The London Underground, for example.

The Scottish Government, with excellent communication from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, have taken the decision to ban outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people to allow the optimum allocation of Scottish NHS staff to support those most seriously impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
A number which is expected to escalate in the coming days and weeks.
So at present, as Professor Leach emphasised, it is this reason (the freeing up of crucial Health Service personnel) which has driven the banning of large outdoor gatherings.

Unfortunate deaths arising from influenza related illnesses are not uncommon in the UK.
Figures from England NHS suggest that over the last 7 or 8 years, on average the number of yearly deaths are in the region of 2,000. Indeed the winter of 2014-15 was particularly severe with the number of deaths totaling over 28,000.

So take care, wash those hands, wipe those surfaces, use a tissue and then discard, and if you have a fever or a new cough - stay put for 7 days.
Oh, and no panic buying....... 

Kelso Monday, then........

Bonny Houxty is our runner in the staying novices handicap hurdle for mares at 3.40 facing 6 opponents.
The race is full of lightly raced horses under rules, and obviously these ones are most likely to progress 'when sent handicapping'.

The likely favourite - Proper Ticket - a Southern raider with Brian Hughes in the saddle, may have a couple of pound to find but she has a progressive profile and looks to be ahead of the handicapper.
It's tight between the remaining Scottish and Northern English contenders though.
A smashing race for a Monday afternoon.....in front of the TV.

And I guess that's where our owners Bill and Carol Aitchison will find themselves - watching on from afar.
Hope the home-bred mare can continue her racecourse improvement here, and best of luck to you both.

Bonny Houxty (Alan) leads the morning gallop