RACING UNDER ‘ SEVERE THREAT’

RACING chiefs yesterday warned of industry- wide repercussions from the decision to stop fans attending live sport events.

Racecourses were already facing a loss of up to £ 300million in revenue this year, before Prime Minister Boris Johnson, right, claimed new restrictions could remain in place for up to six months.

This could also mean that the

Cheltenham Festival in March may have to be staged behind closed doors.

The BHA described the delay, alongside fresh Covid- 19 rules for the nation, as a “serious blow,’ after several successful pilot fixtures were staged.

“Despite all those efforts, our industry is now facing a severe threat,” said a BHA spokesperson. “We are the second most attended spectator sport in the country. y

“Without the millions of people who normally enjoy y a day at the races, many people’s jobs are at serious risk.”

Nevin Truesdale, group Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, called on the e government to provide financial support for horse racing. He said in a usual year the sport would contribute more than £ 4billion to the U UK economy. Newmarket became the la latest casualty of Covid- 19 restrictions, after they were forced to p pull the plug on having ra racegoers at its three- day Camb Cambridgeshire meeting later this week.