Stars, old favourites and tickets - what spectators need to know for Wednesday

After more than eight months without spectators, apart from two pilot events, the majority of racecourses in England – all those in Tier 2 – can start welcoming back up to 2,000 racegoers from Wednesday.

On-course bookmakers will be in attendance in limited numbers, starting with four meetings in England at Haydock, Ludlow, Lingfield and Kempton.

The jumps action takes place with seven-race cards at Haydock and Ludlow, beginning at 12.10 and 12.20 respectively, and all-weather fixtures at Lingfield (11.30) and Kempton (5.00).

Wednesday racecards

Haydock

A seven-race card where champion jockey Brian Hughes has three rides as he looks to build his slender lead over Harry Cobden in the title race. The loudest cheer from the crowd is likely to come in the Veterans' Handicap Chase (2.20), where old favourites Whisper and Seeyouatmidnight are set to battle it out.

Jockey Club Racecourses-owned Haydock has a "limited number" of tickets available for its fixture. Tickets could be purchased on the track's website on Monday, starting at £15. Tickets must be purchased in advance – none will be available on the gate – and full contact details must be provided for every ticket holder.

Seeyouatmidnight: one of the big names in the Veterans' Chase at HaydockCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ludlow

Grade 3 hurdle winner Stoney Mountain makes his first start for new trainer Jamie Snowden in the beginners' chase (2.35). There are seven races and Bryony Frost is in action on Cubswin for trainer Neil King in the mares' handicap hurdle (1.30).

Ludlow has a 600 limit on general admissions, which does not include owners. Those looking to gain entry were being asked to call the office on 01584 856221.

Lingfield

Hollie Doyle, Jim Crowley, James Doyle and Paul Hanagan are among the jockeys riding at Lingfield, where the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Make It Rain will bid to extend his unbeaten all-weather record to four in the feature Betway Handicap at 12.00.

Lingfield is looking to accommodate a crowd of up to 2,000, although expects less than that. Tickets were available to buy on Lingfield's website on Monday morning, starting from £17.

Hollie Doyle: in action at Lingfield on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kempton

Kempton stages the Listed Unibet Wild Flower Stakes (6.30), which has attracted a nine-strong field including French Group 2 winner Red Verdon, John Smith's Cup winner Sinjaari and Johnny Drama, who has won his last three races since switching to the all-weather.

Ryan Moore, William Buick, Silvestre De Sousa, Andrea Atzeni and Tom Marquand are among the jockeys in action on the eight-race card.

JCR-owned Kempton has a "limited number" of tickets available for its fixture. Tickets could be purchased on the track's website on Monday, starting at £10. Tickets must be purchased in advance – none will be available on the gate – and full contact details must be provided for every ticket holder.

Rules

While restrictions will remain in place, the four courses on Wednesday are all in Tier 2 areas and are permitted to have up to 2,000 spectators or 50 per cent of capacity, depending on which is lower.

No hugs, no high-fives... but can I get a beer? New rules on racecourses

As per government guidelines, spectators from a Tier 3 postcode will not be permitted entry and anyone with any Covid-19 symptoms must not attempt to go racing.

Spectators are urged to use private transport where possible. A face mask or covering is compulsory on entry and throughout the stay on course, except when people are eating or drinking.

People must observe social distancing with anyone not in their immediate ticketing group and adhere to the rule of six.

Read more on this subject:

Where can you go racing? Full December fixture list with every racecourse's tier

'Go online and buy a badge' - Lingfield able to welcome back crowd of 2,000

Tingle Creek tickets sell out in 17 minutes as Sandown prepares for spectators

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