Hopes of 'near-normal racedays' as Epsom and York prepare to welcome back crowds

While prime minister Boris Johnson's roadmap for the easing of England's lockdown means a return of even limited crowds will come too late for the major spring festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree, executives at the major summer tracks are relishing the prospect of hosting their flagship events in a much more convivial setting than for last season's public lockouts.

With May 17 the target date the government has set for a return of limited attendance to sports stadia in England, Epsom can look forward to its two-day Derby and Oaks fixture taking place in front of at least 4,000 spectators, while York's Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor festival in August is scheduled well past the June 21 target for the lifting of restrictions.

York chief executive William Derby pointed out that there are still hurdles to overcome before racecourses can return to business as usual, but the timing of the May 17 step three easing gave plenty of cause for optimism to Andrew Cooper, who is not only Epsom's director of racing but also oversees nearby Sandown.