Welsh tracks await government verdict on return of spectators

Racecourses in Wales are still waiting to hear whether the national government will follow Westminster and allow spectators to return next week.

Pandemic restrictions at the country's three tracks are the responsibility of the Welsh government, which has yet to announce whether they will be eased enough to permit the admission of a limited number of racegoers in certain areas.

Phil Bell, executive director at Chepstow and Ffos Las, has been liaising with the government on behalf of Arena Racing Company's two courses and Bangor.

He said on Tuesday: "I spoke to the Welsh government yesterday and they said they haven't made a decision, so I'm waiting to hear if they're going to follow England's lead.

"We've obviously made it clear that we would like to have guidance as soon as possible because we're racing at Chepstow on December 5. We clearly want to hear in the next couple of days because if we're going to race with a crowd on December 5 we haven't got a lot of time to get things organised.

"I'm keeping in touch with them daily and I'm hoping to get good news. We have built up a very good relationship with the Welsh government during lockdown and we're hoping that, along with our colleagues in rugby and football, we'll be able to welcome some crowds back from next week."

Potters Corner and Jack Tudor jump the last clear in the Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase at ChepstowCredit: Harry Trump

Bell is particularly keen that spectators be allowed back for the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27.

"The Welsh National is the key date that we've stressed," he said. "It's a major event for Welsh sport as well as racing nationally, the biggest race of the year in Wales. We'd clearly like to have crowds attending."

Bangor is due to race on December 11 and December 20, while Ffos Las has a meeting on December 14.

In Scotland discussions are ongoing with the Holyrood government over the return of crowds to racecourses.

A statement from Scottish Racing said: "Further to yesterday’s announcement from the UK government that a restricted number of spectators may return to sports stadia in Tiers 1 and 2 in England from December 2, Scottish Racing continues to discuss the return of crowds to racecourses with the Scottish government, and will make an announcement as soon as possible."

More to read

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