Live sport returns in Germany on Thursday after clearance was given by the authorities to restart horse racing in Hanover.

There has been no action on the racetracks of Germany since March due to the coronavirus outbreak and the meeting in Hanover will take place without race fans in attendance.

The first meeting was due to take place in Dortmund on Monday but the decision was taken to cancel that last Saturday after the necessary approvals were not given.

The president of Deutscher Galopp, Michael Vesper told www.galopponline.de that everything is in place for racing to resume and that it is a huge boost to everyone involved in Germany's racing industry.

"We are relieved and grateful to authorities such as the racing club that people in racing companies can now go back to work," said Vesper.

A press release added: "Many thanks to the Hannoversche Rennverein and the responsible authorities who have made this possible.

"The races, which have not been carried out since March 15 due to the corona pandemic, will be resumed in Hanover on Thursday, May 7, in strict compliance with the association's hygiene and clearance concept, which the authorities have deemed appropriate."

The first race at Hanover goes to post at 2.00 pm local time and the action will be streamed live on the official Deutscher Galopp website.

It looks set to be a busy month for sport in Germany after the authorities gave the green light for football to get back underway in the latter half of this month.

Germany's Bundesliga will return behind closed doors in the second half of May.

Chancellor Angela Merkel held a conference call with the country's regional premiers this morning where the safety protocols surrounding 'ghost games' were agreed upon.

The Germany Football League (DFL) will discuss an exact return date at a board meeting tomorrow.