Crowd plans offer light at end of tunnel
THERE is a little light at the end of the tunnel for racecourses hoping to get crowds back in the near future.
Goodwood has been given permission to allow 5,000 racegoers on the final day of its Glorious meeting on Saturday, August 1.
The UK Government announced the fixture was among a select list of pilot events which could lead to spectators returning to sporting events in England on October 1.
It’s unclear at this stage about a timeframe for crowds returning to professional sports in Wales, even for test events.
Chepstow has been holding flat meetings behind closed doors for the last two months and is hoping, like Ffos Las, that tickets could be sold for their important jump meetings in October.
Also included in the government’s pilot events are two men’s county cricket friendly matches and the World Snooker Championship.
Last week at Chepstow, racehorse owners returned to the course for the first time since the lockdown. Strict protocols were in place in terms of temperature checks and social distancing. In addition, owners were not allowed inside any of the buildings and were kept in a separate area from trainers and jockeys.
The summer jump racing season continues and Welsh jockey Connor Brace rode his second winner of the campaign when Collodi won at Uttoxeter. Adam Wedge continues to be joint-leader in the jump jockeys’ championship with Harry Cobden.
Some positive news is that the Horse Welfare Board has announced the launch of its strategic review into the funding for the aftercare of racehorses. It will focus on ensuring the aftercare sector is financially sustainable and can consistently provide care and careers for racehorses beyond racing over the long term.
The board’s ‘A Life Well Lived’ strategy put in place a plan for the welfare of horses bred for racing to build public trust with its welfare processes and demonstrate its lifetime commitment to horses and their welfare. This review is a key project recommendation of the new strategy, assessing and ensuring the funding of aftercare is fit for purpose and highlighting areas for improvement.