Limited number of bookmakers to return to British tracks in two-week trial

A limited number of bookmakers will return to British racecourses on Tuesday for the first time since March as part of a two-week trial.

They will offer a service to owners, with racegoers still not permitted to attend under behind-closed-doors protocols, to establish whether they are able to trade safely under the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Card payments will still be preferred but bookmakers will be able to take cash bets, in contrast to the trial planned at Glorious Goodwood a fortnight ago, part of a pilot event for the return of 5,000 spectators that had to be abandoned on UK government advice.

Fontwell, Beverley and Kempton are the three meetings scheduled in Britain on Tuesday.

"We're very pleased at this positive move," said Christopher Hudson of the British Racecourse Bookmakers Association. "It gives some hope to long-suffering bookmakers who haven't had any work for months. We're also thrilled that cash will be permitted for bets."

York chief executive William Derby is looking forward to welcoming bookmakers back on Wednesday, the first day of the Ebor festival.

William Derby: delighted to have on-course bookmakers back at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We were delighted to receive the news," said Derby. "We feel it's a step in the right direction and we're looking forward to helping develop these protocols for on-course bookmakers."

Bookmakers Joe Huddlestone and Keith Johnson will return to the track at York. Tote windows and William Hill, who run the track betting shop, will also be available to owners.

Derby said: "We've reminded all of them that the only people on course will be owners and they appreciate that. They are keen to take this forward step and contribute to wider learning for the industry."

The news was announced by the Racecourse Association (RCA), after consultation with the BHA and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) alongside a number of strict protocols, such as access to hand sanitiser for bookmakers and customers.

Bookmakers have to wear PPE and will be required to book in advance via the Administration of Gambling on Tracks (AGT).

"We recognise the importance of betting on-course. This is an important step forward for all betting operators and a further enhancement of the experience on-course for owners, to whom we are grateful for their continued support," said the RCA's Paul Swain.

"The two-week trial will allow for important conditions to be tested and the safety of all on-course remains our priority. Working with racecourses, Britbet and AGT, we will monitor the initiative and after two weeks take a view on whether the trial is extended or not."

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