Tingle Creek tickets sell out in 17 minutes as Sandown prepares for spectators

General admission tickets for the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown next Saturday sold out in just 17 minutes as the track prepares to welcome back spectators and members for the first time since March.

It is understood around 1,000 tickets were available to the general public through the Jockey Club website but more could be offered if owners and annual members do not take up their full allocation.

Up to 2,000 spectators, or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lowest, can attend tracks in areas under Tier 2 restrictions from Wednesday, including Jockey Club courses Cheltenham, Aintree and Haydock.

"The response to us going on sale for Betfair Tingle Creek day has been fantastic," said Phil White, London director of Jockey Club Racecourses. "Racing fans have been incredibly patient these last few months and we're looking forward to welcoming them back."

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Speaking on ITV Racing, White added: "There will be restrictions in place on the track. People will have to be socially distanced and are required to wear a facemask. The 'rule of six' will apply outdoors and indoors people must sit with people within their family bubble.

"People living in Tier 3 areas won't be able to attend and tickets must be bought in advance. Private transport is also encouraged. There are a few measures in place and we've worked with the RCA and BHA to ensure we can deliver a safe and enjoyable day."

Takeaway food will be available at Jockey Club racecourses in Tier 2 areas, while anybody sitting down to a substantial meal will be able to purchase alcohol. Similar measures will be put in place by Arena Racing Company (Arc), which manages 16 courses.

Tickets are on sale for the next seven days of racing at Jockey Club tracks, but the picture is clear only until December 16, when the tiers could be adjusted. Under Tier 3, spectators are not permitted.

Aintree does not have any annual members so more than 1,000 tickets are on sale for Becher Chase Day next Saturday, while around 1,000 general admission tickets are available for Haydock on Wednesday.

Haydock is among the first tracks to welcome back spectators alongside Ludlow, Lingfield and Kempton, which stages its feature race of the jumps season, the King George VI Chase, on Boxing Day.

"We hope to allow some spectators to attend Kempton over the festive period but the government is reviewing the tiering system in mid-December so we can't be definitive," added White.

"This is the first step in the recovery and it's really about hopefully taking the first steps towards some level of normal next year."

It is understood there would be a number of factors involved in deciding whether fixtures could or should potentially be moved from Tier 3 areas to Tier 2 areas – or even Tier 1, which allows up to 4,000 spectators, in due course.

One consideration is the possibility of spectators' attendance and any requests from tracks would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

More to read:

Where can you go racing? Full December fixture list with every racecourse's tier

Ludlow and Lingfield all set to welcome back spectators on Wednesday

No hugs, no high-fives... but can I get a beer? New rules on racecourses

'It will only make us stronger' - Richard Johnson's delight at return of crowds

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