Here's what it will be like going racing in the time of Covid

British racing is just days away from welcoming back the first paying customers to a racecourse in nearly six months as Doncaster prepares to host more than 20,000 spectators over the four-day Pertemps St Leger meeting starting on Wednesday.

Crowds have been absent from courses since March and the sport, which returned on June 1, has seen some of its marquee events, such as the Derby, Royal Ascot and – after last-minute government intervention – Glorious Goodwood being played out in silence.

With only essential personnel, later followed by owners, in attendance, the comforting hum of excitement from the grandstand has been absent, leaving an unmissable void in the on-course atmosphere, and on the balance sheets of racecourses.