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

Racing fans were among those rejoicing on Monday after spectators finally stepped on to British tracks in meaningful numbers for the first time since last year's coronavirus lockdown in March.

After a two-month hiatus, racing has taken place behind closed doors since June, with the exception of pilot events in September and during a short period of regional coronavirus tiers in December.

Last week, the BHA gave the green light for crowds of up to 4,000, or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, to return after UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced the easing of lockdown measures.

Redcar, Carlisle, Leicester and Windsor were the first tracks to welcome back racegoers and changes to the rules in England and Scotland meant owners were once again granted paddock access.

View from the stands

Simon Dickson at Carlisle
I'm excited to be back and to get a few winners. There are still rules but it's great to have a drink and a bet and meet up with friends.

John Baxter and Chris Varley at Redcar
This was the nearest course to home and we just couldn't wait to get back racing. We set off at 7.15 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 TV.

Susan Wood at Redcar
We go racing as often as we can, now we're retired. We come here and to Ripon quite often and we're 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, the atmosphere and everything else are better. It was brilliant to back the first winner – I only had a few pounds on but it was great.

Tony Hamilton after riding the first winner at Redcar
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.

Trainer Tracy Waggott at Redcar
It's lovely having a crowd back, we've got people to talk to, you're not sat in the wagon.

Jamie Atkinson, Maryport
My girlfriend brought me here today and it's the first time I've been racing. I've really enjoyed it. Although I didn't find any winners, it's great to get up close to the horses in the parade ring and I'll definitely be coming back. I'm going to Haydock in a few weeks.

Peter Dixon was among those in attendance at Carlisle and he went to extra lengths to ensure he was presentable for his first day back.

"I had my haircut at 9.00 this morning to get ready for this," he said. "It's amazing to be at a sporting event again. I've missed being able to go to the races or watch football and rugby live."

The return of fans was welcome news for course bookmakers, who have been limited to laying owners for months and were unable to trade for much of last year at behind-closed-doors meetings.

The easing of coronavirus restrictions also had implications for high street bookmakers, who were permitted to show live footage again.

Betting shops reopened in England on April 12 but with stringent rules, including the removal of chairs and tables, and limits on the number of gaming machines. Those restrictions have been lifted but social distancing measures remain in place.

"The punters have been champing at the bit to get back during the last couple of weeks," said Ben Keith, owner Star Sports. "The shops have been open but it's been a case of trying to get as much of the expenses as possible – hopefully we can kick back into top gear."

It is estimated racecourses missed out on £400m in lost revenue since the beginning of the pandemic and the return of spectators represented an important step towards normality for British racing.

The next target is the return of substantial crowds from June 21 when the UK government hopes to again ease lockdown measures.

Read more on the return of crowds:

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?

Tracks thrilled to have crowds back but cost of Covid could linger for 18 months (Members' Club)

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here