Chelmsford City Racecourse Chief claims track has COVID-19 testing in place with results back in only 25 minutes
CHELMSFORD boss Philip Siers has said COVID-19 testing is ready to be used whenever racing returns to the Essex track.
Siers has claimed tests will be carried out on all jockeys and trainers before the meeting with results back in as little as 25 minutes.
Chelmsford hope it will keep any meeting free of the virus and ensure a safe return to racing, albeit behind closed doors.
It's believed the tests will be carried out on site and samples will not need to be away ensuring the swift return of results.
Chelmsford does not fall under either the Arena Racing Company (ARC) or Jockey Club banners and may have gone it alone with these plans.
Course Chief Siers explained: "We're trying to establish a coronavirus-free environment at the track.
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"We're being proactive but at the same time don't want to put anyone at risk.
"We're trying to put ourselves in a position whereby the government and the BHA are confident we can return to action sensibly as the return of is subject to government approval and we're ready."
Private laboratories will be used to ensure there is no burden on the national effort in ensuring frontline workers are not tested.
The BHA said: "We're continuing to work with other major sports and public health authorities on possible approaches to testing for behind-closed-doors sport, which could be applied consistently across all fixtures once the sport resumes if required.
"This process is still ongoing and therefore is yet to be finalised."