'It's the first time he's seen so many people' - Carlisle an all-age attraction

For a moment it was just like old times as the first spectators on a British racecourse this year filtered through the turnstiles. After queueing outside for the gates to open, the early racegoers all appeared to have a spring in their step, thrilled at being back on familiar territory and in a familiar routine.

Friends and family brought together for a day at the races – a simple pleasure but one they had been prevented from doing for so long. The sight of hand sanitiser stations and social distancing signs soon brought the here and now back into focus, but this was still a day to savour as racing rediscovered its heart and soul.

It was also a memorable one for Workington-based couple Craig Hamilton and Louise Williams, who brought their five-month-old son Mikey to the track for the first time.

"It's great to be here as it's Mikey's first day at the races and hopefully he'll be a lucky charm," said Craig. "It's the first time he's seen so many people as we've been in lockdown since he was born and he's been taking it all in.

"Today is also Louise's surprise birthday present. It's nice to have some normality again and get dressed up and do something. We normally go racing seven or eight times a year, but haven't been for nearly two years now. We love horses and have really missed the atmosphere."

As the 1,000 spectators began to file in and made their way towards the stands and bars, talk of the gamble on Iain Jardine runners was the hot topic following sustained support for the trainer's three horses here and one at Redcar.

The gamble went astray, but warm applause greeted the winner of the opening 5f novice contest – the first race in front of paying spectators since December – as El Caballo got favourite backers off to the perfect start.

The Havana Gold colt could be bound for Royal Ascot next month and provided a timely success on his 58th birthday for trainer Karl Burke, who soaked up the congratulations.

"I was surprised to see the queues outside and it's good to have people back," he said. "Everybody needs to get back to normal as soon as possible."

Spectators make a welcome return at Carlisle on MondayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

El Caballo initiated a double later completed by Tangled in the mile handicap for Grange Park Racing, whose members were out in force with owners allowed back in the parade ring following the easing of on-course restrictions.

"Getting the access back is brilliant as, win, lose or draw, you've got to give the owners the full experience of being able to speak to the trainer and jockey," said Alan Crombie, who runs the Yorkshire-based syndicate.

Beleaguered course bookmakers welcomed back spectators with open arms, having been left reeling from the pandemic. Penrith layer Paul Garritty stood two of the ten pitches and was just glad to return to work after such a torrid time.

"It's great to be back and business has been reasonable, so there are no complaints," he said. "Admittedly it's not ideal but it's a small step on the road to recovery. In 14 months, we've only worked three days – two days on course and one at a point-to-point trial – and it's been awful.

"We're waiting for June 21 for the restrictions to be lifted and social distancing to be removed and I think everyone needs a lift to get back to events."

The meeting signalled the return of Flat racing at Carlisle after the Jockey Club opted to cancel last season.

Jump racing resumed behind closed doors at the course in October last year, but this was the track's first Flat fixture since September 2019.

General manager Molly Dingwall, who turned her hand to driving tractors to help maintain the course during its temporary closure, said: "We've been dreaming about this day for so long and are thrilled to be the first racecourse in the country to welcome the public back.

"There's nothing like having a crowd, it changes the atmosphere of the day. We're in the entertainment business at the end of the day and love seeing people enjoying themselves."

Read more on the return of crowds:

Many make a happy return as Redcar opens its doors for the first time since 2019

'We just want to see some live racing - it's much better than watching it on TV'

Seven racecourses in England you must visit now you can go racing

Getting back on track: everything returning racegoers need to know

Can I buy tickets for Royal Ascot and other big race meetings this summer?

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