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The government’s schedule for spectators returning to 12 sporting events will not include horse racing. As the country opens up once again, horse racing crowds are due to return on May 17th with the crowd limit threshold currently standing at between 4,000 to 10,000.
Testing and Social Distancing
The initial trial period on limited numbers of spectators will be an indicator to the government as to how efficient the testing and social distancing during sporting events works. Each spectator will have to adhere to social distancing measures and tested before entering a sporting venue.Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for the Department of Digital, Cultural, Media and Sports (DCMS) said, “These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safety without social distancing.”Back in February, the prime minister announced plans to ease lockdown restrictions including spectators returning to sporting events. The Racecourse Association has been working closely with the DCMS after the announcement and has said despite larger crowds not able to return at the moment the industry ‘shouldn’t be concerned’ while the trial period of returning fans continues.
Horse Racing not Included In the Planned Schedule
In September 2020, spectator trials took place at Doncaster and Warwick racecourses with a degree of success. Some of the major racecourses throughout England including Chester and Goodwood have agreed to take part in initial trials allowing smaller spectator crowds under coronavirus restrictions. Unlike football, snooker, and other hospitality and arts events, horse racing will not be amongst the planned schedule of larger groups of spectators returning.The Betting and Gaming Council had requested the 2021 Grand National be postponed until the reopening of high street betting shops. It’s been confirmed the race date of 8-10th April has now been rescheduled in support of the reopening of betting shops on the 12th April 2021.