PSJB
18 July 2020, UK ~ Goodwood has been given permission to allow 5,000 racegoers on the final day of its Glorious meeting on 1 August as the government announced the fixture was among a select list of pilot events which could lead to spectators returning to sporting events in England on 1 October.
The racecourse’s management has made little secret of their desire to have members in attendance for at least one day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the green light from government means Stewards’ Cup day will represent the first time racegoers have attended a race meeting in Britain since March.
What’s next for racing following government announcement on crowds?
A government statement said there were likely to be further pilot events for other sports in order to prepare for a full, socially-distanced return of sporting events from October 1.
Racecourse Association chief executive David Armstrong said: “We welcome the fact that horseracing is to be selected as one of the pilot events to welcome back crowds and my team and I acknowledge the great responsibility upon us.
“The safety protocols involved will be stringent and the Goodwood racecourse team are in a fantastic place to implement them. The sport has come together to offer support to ensure the pilot event provides us with sufficient learnings that others may follow in time. These learnings will allow us to draft industry-wide protocols for the wider scale return of crowds as soon as we are able.
“Crowds bring a wonderful atmosphere to a raceday and many businesses associated with racecourses are reliant upon them. I sincerely hope that all involved enjoy their day— our focus now turns to supporting the Goodwood team in what is a landmark day for the sport.”
1 August is slated to hold the £250,000 Unibet Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.
Read the full report on The Racing Post by By Stuart Riley
FIRST PUBLISHED 12:15PM, JUL 17 2020
The safety protocols involved will be stringent and the Goodwood racecourse team are in a fantastic place to implement them.
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