'We need more' - Welsh courses urge rethink as crowds barred until February

Potters Corner and Jack Tudor (5) start the final circuit on their way to victory in the Welsh Grand NationalChepstow 27.12.19 Pic: Edward Whitaker

Chepstow: packed stands take in last year's Welsh Grand NationalCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Welsh government has been urged to reconsider its "extremely frustrating" decision not to allow spectators back on racecourses until February at the earliest amid criticism of the lack of a road map out of the current shutout.

Crowds returned to tracks in a limited capacity in England on Wednesday after a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in Tier 2 areas and Welsh courses were hoping they would be granted similar privileges.

The chief executive of Chepstow and Ffos Las, Phil Bell, along with representatives from other elite sports in the country, held talks with the Welsh government on Monday but their plans for a safe transition to hosting spectators were rejected, meaning Chepstow's Coral Welsh Grand National on December 27 will take place behind closed doors.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Sam HendryDigital journalist

Published on 3 December 2020inNews

Last updated 18:10, 3 December 2020

Copy