'It's looking a bit brighter' - tracks cautious but hopeful on opening-up plans

Racegoers in England can expect an experience "as close to normal as possible" when restrictions are lifted on Monday, although racecourses are taking different approaches for more high-profile days the following month in light of rising Covid-19 cases.

Cartmel, Beverley and Windsor are the first tracks to benefit from the government's decision to move to step four of its coronavirus roadmap from Monday, although the BHA, Racecourse Association and key stakeholders are still in the process of finalising details on remaining on-course protocols with an announcement expected imminently.

Around 4,000 racegoers are expected for Monday's evening fixture at Beverley with 6-8,000 anticipated for Cartmel's afternoon card, with the jumps venue opening its doors fully and estimating a crowd of up to 15,000 for its bank holiday meetings on August 28 and 30.

Crowd numbers will be capped at two thirds for Beverley's ladies' day on August 11 and bank holiday meetings on August 28 – featuring the Listed William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes – and August 29, with attendances limited to 8,000 for days that have attracted 12,000 previously.

Up to 4,000 spectators have been permitted on course since May 17, but despite tracks being able to fully open their doors from next week, several courses will increase numbers gently.

At Beverley, the wearing of face masks will be a personal choice, with the track strongly encouraging racegoers to do so indoors to protect themselves, other racegoers and staff.

Sally Iggulden, chief executive and clerk of the course at Beverley, said: "We're aiming at providing a day that is as close to normal as possible. It's a nice, busy evening meeting, but it isn't a full-capacity day and we hope to welcome about 4,000 people – as we did in 2019.

"The big difference will be that people can now get their food and drink and take them to their best vantage point, which will make the day much easier."

On future meetings, Iggulden said: "We're planning on not going to our full capacity this season as we want to ensure it's safe. We have a duty of care to our team and we just feel, with those big days not far off, that we should take a slightly cautious approach with cases rising.

"We're looking at having 8,000 racegoers on those days so it will still be a big occasion, but just not quite as big as it has been."

Beverley has played its part in England's mass vaccination programme since January and attracted crowds approaching the 4,000 limit for two fixtures at the start of the month.

She said: "The appetite has still been there for people to come racing and it's nice to be able to open up hospitality and have our sponsors back. That will be a boost to the finances – it's still pretty tough going, but it's certainly looking a little bit brighter."

Cartmel: expecting between 6-8,000 on MondayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Cartmel's meeting on Saturday is a sellout at the 4,000 limit and the course will operate a single enclosure for Monday's fixture, for which it is strongly recommended to book in advance, but it will be possible to buy a ticket on the gate.

Geraldine McKay, racing director at Cartmel, said: "It's brilliant to be able to open up our site for Monday and there'll be plenty of concessions and things to do. It's great we can accommodate walk-ups as it's a big part of our business, and Cumbrians like to check the weather before they come out."

Next month's bank holiday meetings close the year for Cartmel and have attracted a capacity 20,000 attendance previously, with McKay hoping for a strong five-figure crowd.

She said: "We're going to operate the site to cater for the full capacity and the sales are at a pretty high level, so we're hopeful of getting between 12-15,000.

"We've had to be extremely cautious financially and mindful of the future, but we're pulling out all the stops to make sure we deliver for August's meetings."

Racecourses have operated with green zones for racing's key participants since the sport's resumption in June last year and the protection of jockeys remains pivotal.

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "There are mixed views within the weighing room, but we support and fully understand there needs to be some protections or mitigations for jockeys, valets and other staff working in the weighing-room area, to make sure they're protected as much as you can from Covid.

"We're awaiting final details and expect them hopefully within the next 24 hours. It's a case of trying to find the right balance between what jockeys would like, what racecourses would like and trying to get back to as close to normal while making sure certain mitigations are in place."

There was a boost for the three racecourses in Wales on Wednesday as first minister Mark Drakeford revealed outdoor events will be given greater flexibility over social distancing from Saturday, with Ffos Las hosting an afternoon card on Tuesday.

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