'It's unlikely' - doubts over full-capacity Cheltenham Festival next March

It is unlikely next year's Cheltenham Festival will be held at full spectator capacity, according to Racecourse Association (RCA) chief executive David Armstrong.

The first day of Doncaster's St Leger meeting on Wednesday marks the return of a limited number of paying spectators to British racecourses for the first time since March.

There is scope for 3,640 general admissions that afternoon, rising to 6,202 for the following three days, while Warwick and Newmarket's three-day Cambridgeshire meeting will also host trials a fortnight later.

However, while the test events mark a significant step forward for British racing in its bid to get back to something resembling normality following the coronavirus shutdown, Armstrong has warned that full crowds returning remains some way off yet.

Cheltenham Festival attendances: the last two years

2020

Tuesday 60,664
Wednesday 56,943
Thursday 65,218
Friday 68,859

Total 251,684

2019

Tuesday 67,934
Wednesday 59,209
Thursday 67,821
Friday 71,593

Total 266,557 (record)

Speaking on Luck on Sunday, Armstrong said: "Looking ahead to next year, I think as things stand it's unlikely we could have a full-capacity Cheltenham Festival next March.

"There are a lot of developments happening almost daily and those will help us change the way we live in society, not just in sport. However, as the rules stand it is unlikely we could be ready for a normal Cheltenham.

"I also think it's pretty unlikely we have full capacity at any racecourse this year. Venues have done their calculations on what their capacity is under the new rules and these range from 25 per cent of normal to up to 40 per cent, which is at Newmarket."

While a return to packed grandstands may be some way off yet, Armstrong is confident that a technology-driven approach can ease the challenges faced by racecourses as they attempt to welcome spectators back while balancing social distancing regulations.

"A vaccine cannot be relied upon to be the next stage of recovery from this pandemic," Armstrong said. "What we're focusing on is the various technological developments that might allow some relaxation of the social distancing rules.

The packed crowds during the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the 2020 Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Edward Whitaker

"For example, a new 20-minute saliva-based test which is connected to mobile phones to create digital passports could be used at meetings to help relax social distancing. I think the next step is going to be technology-driven, not vaccine-driven."

Last month, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport revealed October 1 as the earliest date when all sporting events could open their doors to limited paying spectators with social distancing measures in place, pending final government approval.

Armstrong added: "We hope from the start of next month that all racecourses will be able to accommodate paying spectators. It will still be on a reduced capacity basis but racecourses across the country are now getting ready for that date."

Read more on this subject:

Uncertainty over crowds sees HRI abandon plan to reschedule Irish Grand National

Special report: here's what it will be like going racing in the time of Covid (Members' Club)

Q&A: everything you need to know about attending this year's St Leger festival

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

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