Racecourses in low Covid case areas cautious about future spectator trials

Plumpton chief executive Dan Thompson has pointed to the financial costs incurred by those racecourses that previously agreed to host spectator trials as a reason why the track's enthusiasm for staging a similar event is tempered.

Media reports have this week suggested the government could be looking at ways to bring back spectators to live sport in parts of England where Covid-19 cases are relatively low.

Such a model could conceivably bring Plumpton into the equation, given the BBC reports the surrounding area last week had 92 cases per 100,000 people. The English average was 223.

Thompson said: "I would be keen to see the government take some action towards bringing people back to sporting events and we're desperate to see spectators return to Plumpton.

"However, I would temper my enthusiasm until seeing a full action plan. We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened with the past planned trial events as that could cost us money we don't have."

Newbury has already staged a number of meetings without spectators this yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

The first spectator experiment at Goodwood was cancelled one day before it was due to take place, while four days of intended trials at Doncaster's St Leger festival were reduced to a single afternoon. Warwick staged a test event but with the planned number of people on course curtailed.

At 127 cases per 100,000, Newbury sits in an area with more cases than Plumpton but still below the English average.

Marketing director Harriet Collins said: "The recent update from DCMS on the possibility of some returning crowds to sports venues before Christmas is positive to hear and we are, of course, very supportive of getting spectators back to Newbury as soon as it is safe to do so.

"I think it’s too early to commit to staging a trial at this stage and we would need much more clarity around the procedures and protocols required from government and DCMS as well as the views of local Public Health, but we will continue to engage with the Racecourse Association."

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