FANS SHUT OUT OF KING GEORGE

THE Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton will be run behind closed doors on Boxing Day after Surrey was placed into Tier 3.

It appeared a 2,000- strong crowd would be allowed to watch Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux try to win the big mid-season jumps prize for a third year in a row.

But now only a handful of owners will be in attendance, as there will for Altior’s run in the Desert Orchid Chase the following day.

A spokesperson for Kempton owners The Jockey Club said: ‘We know that racing fans will be disappointed to miss out on some thrilling live action over Christmas. However, we recognise we must all play our part in tackling this pandemic and look forward to welcoming racegoers back to our courses as soon as we’re able to do so.’

Tier changes announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday saw the hope of a crowd also extinguished at Newbury for the Grade One MansionBet Challow Hurdle meeting on December 29, and Sandown’s Tolworth Hurdle meeting on January 2.

Restrictions come into force at midnight tonight but Ascot have decided not to allow the public into today’s meeting, on top of tomorrow’s Long Walk Hurdle fixture.

Newbury was anticipating a sell-out meeting for its Challow Hurdle fixture.

Spokeswoman Harriet Collins said: ‘We have learned to adapt. It’s disappointing and we hope the public will be able to return as soon as possible in 2021.’

There was good news for Hereford, however, which is moving to Tier 1 and will be allowed 4,000 spectators at its meeting on January 2. Up to 2,000 will still be able to attend Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.