PUNTERS GET BACKONTRACK AFTERMONTHS
NOWHERE in Britain’s sporting landscape has the absence of supporters been felt more acutely than at racecourses.
The biggest of our competitive arenas have had an echo of thundering hooves without the clink of champagne glasses and the roar of fans on the rail to accompany it.
So racing fans finally satisfying their craving for live sport was a truly welcome sight and sound as they made their return to the track yesterday.
Apart from a couple of trial events, Ludlow, Haydock, Kempton and Lingfield were the first four meetings to host spectators since the week after the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The racecourses, in Tier 2 areas, were permitted up to 2000 fans although a significantly smaller number were on hand at Ludlow when hot favourite Falberto (6-5f ) took the opening claiming hurdle.
Around 550 people, made up of 400 members of the public and 150 owners, watched on as Jordan Nailor raced to a quickfire double aboard Happy News (18-1) in the Sir Toby Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase.
They were based in the amber zone, while racing’s participants such as trainers and jockeys were in the green zone.
Masks were worn by all attendees who practised social di s t a n c i n g throughout their afternoon at the Shropshire track.
Par ticipants were prevented from crossing over into a different area by barriers.
Ludlow’s general manager Simon Sherwood said: “It’s great to have people back here to create a bit of atmosphere. It has been quite challenging with the protocols to make sure everything is correct.”
Mi s s Gemst o n e unseating her rider in the second race did not dampen the enthusiasm of part-owner John Full, a regular at the track.
“It is one of our favourite racecourses in the country, the staff look after you very well,” said the 66-year-old.
“It’s just nice to see a crowd here again.”
The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Miranda (3-1), a game winner of the Shropshire Mind Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
Around 10 members of winning syndicate Owners Group clapped the fiveyear-old into first place.
Spokesman Ryan Bliss said: “Just to hear that cheer again, which we haven’t heard for months, is really special.”
Momentum is set to continue into the first weekend, with Saturday’s feature meetings at Sandown and Aintree already sold out for general admission.
Looking further ahead, the Sports Technology and Innovation Group is working on ways to increase capacity at racecourses and other sporting venues.
“Technological advances are being worked upon so we can eventually get bigger crowds in,” said David Armstrong, chief executive of t he Racecourse Association.
“I’m hopeful for pilot events early next year.”