Many make a happy return as Redcar opens its doors for the first time since 2019

You know something special must be happening when there are hordes queueing in the sunshine just minutes before the first race –at Redcar.

Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, an absence of 14 months that ended joyously as racegoers finally returned in a healthy number – and hopefully for good this time, after a couple of abortive trials last autumn.

Racing has been almost exclusively behind closed doors since March of last year and the last spectators admitted here had been in October 2019 so there was plenty of pent-up demand.

A phased return meant numbers were capped at 850 – 50 per cent of capacity – for the first meeting back, and Mark and Sandra Keelty, from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, led the charge when the gates opened.

"We've been club members here for a long time and it's just brilliant to be back after so long," Mark said.

Sandra added: "We've really missed the atmosphere and seeing friends, so we are just thrilled to be getting back to some kind of normality."

Steve and Gloria Lawson, from Newton Aycliffe, with Olivia, threeCredit: Peter Barron

The new normal for friends John Baxter and Chris Varley was a trek from West Yorkshire, so desperate were they to get back on course.

Baxter, from Bingley, said: "This was the nearest course to home and we just couldn't wait to get back racing."

Varley, from Haworth, added: "We set off at quarter past seven this morning, had our breakfast on the seafront, and now we just want to see some live racing – it's much better than watching it on the telly!"

They were here for fun while the bookmakers were here on business and layer Richard Johnson admitted: "I haven't slept for two nights because I've been that excited.

"It's absolutely brilliant to be back, knowing there's going to be some people here, and seeing some colleagues.

"It'll be a quiet start but Redcar's done a great job and it's a good place to get going again."

Johnson was not quite so chipper after well-backed 11-4 joint favourite Grangeclare Avenue took the opening median auction maiden and the queue outside was replaced by a queue waiting for him to pay out.

They included Susan Wood from nearby Great Ayton, who said: "It was brilliant to back the first winner – I only had a few pounds on but it was great.

"We come here to Ripon quite often and we're very glad to be back. We've missed it. We've been watching the racing on TV but it's a lot better to be here."

Racegoers watch Grangeclare View (Tony Hamilton) win the opener at RedcarCredit: Pool

There had been quite a roar as Grangeclare Avenue hit the front, though winning jockey Tony Hamilton admitted: "Once you're in a race you wouldn't even know they're there – it doesn't matter if there are 100,000 or nobody, once you get into a rhythm you wouldn't notice them.

"But coming out of the weighing room and going into the paddock it's great to see people. Even cantering down you can see everyone's enjoying themselves and it's great for the sport."

The return of crowds – and of owners to the parade ring – certainly made an impression on PJ McDonald, who took the fillies' handicap on Lasting Legacy, and said: "It takes a little bit of getting used to, it is different – the parade ring feels a hell of a lot smaller!

Racegoer Susan Wood backed the first winner as Redcar reopened its doorsCredit: David Carr

"But it's nice. You can see everybody is as enthusiastic as we are to get everyone back. I think racing has done a great job to keep us all safe and I hope they get their just rewards now with punters through the gates."

Potapova could be racing in front of a five-figure crowd at Royal Ascot next month after bolting up by eight lengths in the novice event at 1-5.

"She's very smart," Danny Tudhope said after riding the winner for Cheveley Park Stud. "They've obviously got big hopes for her. It was nice and easy today and it was good to see her do it on turf. She's got class all right."

Potapova could now tackle the Coronation Stakes on June 18, which is also a big date in these parts as it will be the first day a full crowd will be allowed in – the novelty may well not have worn off by then so you'd better get here early.

Read more on the return of crowds:

'It's the first time he's seen so many people' - Carlisle an all-age attraction

'We just want to see some live racing - it's much better than watching it on TV'

Seven racecourses in England you must visit now you can go racing

Getting back on track: everything returning racegoers need to know

Can I buy tickets for Royal Ascot and other big race meetings this summer?

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