The key dates for when racing returns

British and Irish racing authorities are both aiming for the sport to return in June and here are the main dates to look forward to over the next few weeks.

June 5

Newmarket begins a run of three days with the first Group 1 in the revised schedule, the Coronation Cup, which was moved from Epsom.

Lingfield could be back with a bang and is down to run its Oaks and Derby Trials.

June 6

The first Classic of the season, the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, will take place on a mouthwatering card at Newmarket, which will also stage the Dahlia Stakes and the Palace House Stakes.

June 7

The top-class action continues at Newmarket with the Qipco 1,000 Guineas while Haydock will put on its first meeting since the return of racing including the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes, relocated from Sandown.

June 8

Racing is set to resume in Ireland with a solitary meeting at Naas and there is a full complement of meetings in Britain at Haydock, Lingfield and Chelmsford.

June 12

Action returns at the Curragh with the first Irish Classic of the season, the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, won last year by Phoenix Of Spain.

June 13

The Irish 1,000 Guineas takes centre stage at the Curragh alongside the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes and a pair of Group 3s.

June 16-20

Royal Ascot, which is set to take place behind closed doors, remains scheduled to take place in its usual slot between June 16 and 20, but there will be some changes to the order of the races.

June 27

It is time for the Irish Derby at the Curragh. Last year it was won by Sovereign for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

June 28

Racing continues at the Curragh, which stages the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes, as well as the Group 3 Vintage Crop and Rockingham Handicap.

July 4

Epsom is set to host the Investec Derby and Oaks, after receiving official approval to stage the Classics with normal public access to racecourse land forbidden for 24 hours.