THE FESTIVAL DIARY
CULTURE SECRETARY Oliver Dowden and Sports Minister Caroline Dinenage are due to attend Gold Cup day tomorrow with the government eager to reaffirm the message that it is business as usual for sport and entertainment events, despite disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak elsewhere in Europe. The newly appointed pair are guests of the British Horseracing Authority who, having helped stage a so-far successful Festival in difficult circumstances, are turning their attention to contingency planning for next month’s Grand National meeting at Aintree, which may have to take place behind closed doors.
A NoTABle absentee yesterday was Bryony Frost who, a year after winning the Ryanair Chase on Frodon, did not have any bookings and was instead riding at Huntingdon. Frodon’s trainer Paul Nicholls was present after watching the first day in his local pub in Ditcheat, and the formidable trio will be reunited today as they seek to defend the Ryanair.
FOOTBALLERS were conspicuous by their absence despite Champion Chase day being many clubs’ traditional outing because it dovetails with their training schedule. It is another indication that coronavirus is causing people to alter their plans. The managerial fraternity were represented by Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp — the latter having two runners. One of them, Shakem Up’Arry, was named in honour of a West Ham fan who used to sit behind Redknapp when he was manager at Upton Park and would use those words to urge him to make a change when his side were struggling.
NOT all race-goers were stoical, particularly in the corporate hospitality areas. An expected group from sponsors Diageo opted to stay away. The spirits company are one of the Jockey Club’s partners, so they may have some explaining to do when it comes to discussions over renewing their contract.