Your questions answered as racecourses prepare to welcome back crowds

The easing of lockdown restrictions in England and Scotland means spectators will soon be allowed back on racecourses in limited numbers. So what is changing?

When can I go racing?

From Monday, May 17, all racecourses in England will be allowed to accommodate up to 4,000 people, or 50 per cent of capacity, whatever is the smaller. The actual numbers will be dependent on the individual courses. Bigger venues can apply for up to 10,000 spectators, the aspiration of Royal Ascot, which starts on Tuesday, June 15.

In Scotland, the situation is slightly different, with tracks only able to admit a maximum of 500 spectators, from Monday, May 17, although racecourses can negotiate with local authorities for potentially larger crowds. Musselburgh will be the first course to host paying spectators on May 25, with Ayr behind closed doors next week.

Where are the first meetings?

Carlisle and Redcar race on the Monday afternoon while Windsor and Leicester host evening meetings. On Tuesday, Brighton, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Hexham and Huntingdon are all in action.

On Friday, May 21, paying spectators will get their first view of Pattern-level action, with both Goodwood and Haydock hosting Listed events before good Saturday cards.

On Friday, June 4, Epsom hosts the first of its two Classics, the Cazoo Oaks, with the Cazoo Derby 24 hours later. Tickets are already sold out for both days after a ballot.

Will I be able to buy tickets on the day?

No. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This is to comply with government guidance and test and trace regulations.

What are the guidelines?

As a rule, racecourses will not be checking temperatures of spectators on arrival, but local variances may occasionally apply. Face coverings will be needed indoors.

Will on-course bookmakers be back on tracks?

Yes, courses will be allowed to host bookmakers as well as offering Tote betting. The number of pitches will vary according to each track's capacity.

How about Wales and Ireland?

The Welsh government is considering pilot events featuring between 200 and 1,000 spectators for early June, with Glamorgan's four-day county championship cricket match and the Wales v Albania football international the front-runners, although no racing fixtures are thought to have been identified.

Northern Ireland's two tracks are part of the all-Ireland governance of racing and thus remain behind closed doors for now. The Taoiseach Micheal Martin has suggested crowds will be trialled at a number of sporting events this summer, and Galway has put itself forward to be part of that pilot at its seven-day festival beginning on July 26.

Can I buy food and drink?

Food and drink will be available from facilities in the racecourses and tables and chairs provided. While the substantial meal rule is no longer enforced, customers must be seated when drinking alcohol.

When will restrictions ease further?

That depends on the individual governments but in England the provisional date for most remaining social restrictions to be lifted is June 21, meaning the return of big crowds. However, UK prime minister Boris Johnson warned on Friday, May 14 that the new Indian variant of Covid-19 could pose "serious disruption" towards moving to that step.

Read more on the return of racecourses:

Tracks in England set to reopen to spectators next week as lockdown eases

Where can I go racing in England next week and how can I buy tickets?

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