Ascot welcomes £40m support package but too early to gauge racecourse uptake

A £40 million aid package for racecourses in England has been welcomed by Ascot as a crucial sign of cooperation and understanding between racing and the government in advance of discussions on key matters such as restructuring the levy.

Nick Smith, Ascot's director of racing, said the announcement from the government on Thursday, as part of a wider £300m boost for selected sports in England impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, dispels "the myths there wasn't a close enough relationship" between the BHA and ministers, but added it was too early to speculate about which tracks might draw on the financial assistance.

Racing received the second largest tranche of money after Rugby Union and details of the package, including when it will open, eligibility and how to apply, will be announced by Sport England in the coming days, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The first slice of funding is expected to be delivered this year.