Tracks thrilled to have crowds back but cost of Covid could linger for 18 months

Racecourses expect it to take up to 18 months to be back on a secure financial footing as they prepare to welcome back spectators this week for the first time this year.

While racing in England has continued uninterrupted since June 1 last year, tracks have been dealt a significant financial blow by having to operate behind closed doors as well as being unable to stage non-raceday exhibitions and events.

Writing in the Racing Post on Monday, Racecourse Association chief executive David Armstrong puts the financial loss for racecourses at £400m since the start of the pandemic with major fixtures such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot and the Classic festivals at Newmarket, Epsom and Doncaster all run without crowds.