Boost for Welsh racecourses as owners permitted to return to Chepstow on Monday

A maximum of two owners per horse will be allowed to attend Chepstow racecourse again from Monday after the local council agreed to bring guidance in line with its English and Scottish counterparts.

Owners had not been permitted to attend meetings in Wales since restrictions were tightened in December and Welsh tracks initially did not follow the BHA’s new guidance this week, meaning no owners were present at Ffos Las on Thursday.

However, the Welsh government has now granted local authorities the power to decide on these matters and, after successful talks with Monmouthshire Council, Chepstow will be able to welcome owners back on course for its next meeting on Easter Monday.

A maximum of two owners will also be present for the track's following two fixtures on April 10 and April 23 before Welsh coronavirus regulations are reassessed on April 26.

'It's great to feel a part of it' – owners rejoice on return to the races

Executive director Phil Bell said: "We spoke to the Welsh government, who told us it was down to the local authority, so we spoke to Monmouthshire council's safety advisory group yesterday.

"We explained what was happening in England and Scotland and they were happy for us to proceed in the same manner.

"We've got a good relationship with the council and we're just about the biggest attraction in Monmouthshire. They were very happy that we could manage it safely. We're just really pleased because it’s taken us a few days to get here.

"We're okay for racing on Easter Monday, April 10 and April 23 before regulations change again on April 26."

Bell is also in charge of Ffos Las and confirmed no decision has yet been made on owners returning to the Carmarthenshire track as it falls under a separate council area and doesn't race again until May 10, with a decision to be made closer to the time.

Ffos Las: a decision whether owners can return to Ffos Las will be made closer to the time of their next meeting on May 10Credit: Getty Images

A statement released by Chepstow racecourse confirming the return of owners said: "We recognise and appreciate that during this period owners have continued to support their horses in training, despite not being able to see them in yards or on course.

"The badge arrangements will be the same as England with a maximum of two owners per horse. Light refreshments will be available and there will be no time limit on how long owners are able to remain on course. As ever, pre-registration is essential and owners will be emailed through the PASS system with details of how to register once their horse is entered to run."

Welsh trainer Evan Williams welcomed the move, and praised owners for their patience.

"I think it's very important for the industry if we can quietly get things going again," he said. "If it wasn't for them the sport wouldn't have been able to keep going and I think every owner, no matter how big or small, deserves a good deal of credit for supporting the industry over the last 12 months."

Read more:

Two owners per horse set to be allowed on the racecourse from next Monday

HRI boss praises owners' patience as the wait to return to racecourses goes on

Begging owner left disappointed as unruly filly must serve lengthy ban

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