Wednesday ballot for members' allocation to Cheltenham December meeting

Cheltenham annual members eager to experience action in the flesh for the first time since March are likely to discover their fate next week – although the racecourse remains hopeful all the track's most ardent supporters will get to enjoy one of the December meeting's two days.

The names of members who are eligible and wish to be at the track on the Friday or Saturday will be entered in a ballot that is due to be conducted on Wednesday. Government rules will prevent the attendance of anyone living in one of England's Tier 3 areas.

Following the announcement that Tier 2 sporting venues are able to accept 2,000 people, Cheltenham has found itself a victim of its own popularity and the recipient of criticism from some annual members who fear they may not be allowed to benefit from the marginal relaxation of regulations.