First racecourse crowd since March set for new experience on Town Moor

The first crowd on a British racecourse since March is set for a different experience at Doncaster's Pertemps St Leger meeting next month.

Electronic tickets must be purchased in advance via the track's website and those in attendance will be welcomed by a racecourse reconfigured into smaller zones, with entry and exit points, while guests will be asked to arrive and depart at different times to manage social distancing.

Social distancing officers will be supported by stewards and one-way systems will be in operation, along with hand sanitisers in all zones.

Cleaning of lavatories and public areas has been increased together with refuse collection in line with the racecourse’s Covid-19 secure risk assessment.

Registration for a track-and-trace policy will be done when tickets are booked, but there are no plans for racegoers to undergo any medical tests prior to entry.

'Heart and soul of racing' - Doncaster delight as racegoers return in September

Attendees, whose movement around the site will be limited to the zone in which their tickets have been purchased, will be required to wear a face covering when using indoor facilities, but not when outside.

Only food and drink bought at Doncaster will be allowed to be consumed and officials are in the process of confirming whether racecards will be available, although a digital option will be offered.

Hospitality guests, annual members and owners will be permitted to bring children provided they have tickets or have been registered like others on track, but a statement from the course added: "Children under the age of 18 will not be admitted to the St Leger festival in the general admittance areas. This is in accordance with the licensing requirements of the areas we will have available for customers at this pilot event."

There will be no table service for bars and catering outlets, which will feature designated order, pay and collection points.

More to read:

'Trade was okay but we're glad to be back' - bookmakers return on course

Andrew Gemmell: on-course experience 'soulless' for owners since resumption

Goodwood managing director warns racecourses could close if crowds don't return

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at