A GRIM OUTLOOK

GOSDEN MAKES STRONG PLEA FOR CROWDS U- TURN

JOHN GOSDEN yesterday called on racing to “lobby and make a case” for the return of crowds to the racecourse – or face “major casualties”.

The champion trainer admitted the sport faced “a grim outlook” after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s latest raft of COVID- 19 restrictions ons – announced on Tuesday – all but ruled out a comeback for r spectators until the end of f March.

“Of course, you really miss the crowds,” said Gosden, speaking on the e opening day of Newmarket’s et’s prestigious Cambridgeshire eshire meeting yesterday.

“If it went on and on, inevitability there will casualties.

“It’s a grim outlook, but we’ve got to be strong. We have to lobby and make a case.

“You’ve very much got to look at the self- help situation – the last thing you there’s an be major want is to run to the government and say, ‘ Please give us some money.’” But Gosden is confident that meetings can take place before “measured crowds” and not pose a coronavirus risk.

“As I’ve said from the very beginn beginning, I feel much more secure in g going to the racetrack than I do in going to the s supermarket and the petrol s station,” he added.

“There’s no doubt about it. A big open space – you feel a lo lot more secure.”

G Gosden struck with Lost in Space at a Newmarket yesterday but La Barrosa stole the show and earned a 16- 1 quote for next year’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas with a one- length victory in the Group Three Tattersalls Stakes. ITV will show Enable’s bid for a history- making third Qatar Prix de l’arc de Triomphe at Longchamp as the centrepiece of a two- and- a- halfhour broadcast on Sunday week.

GREY DAY: Lost In Space wins for John Gosden at Newmarket yesterday