KEMPTON FAN PLAN

KEMPTON PARK bosses will learn today how many – if any – racegoers will be admitted to watch the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Paul Nicholls’ Clan Des Obeaux, right, will bid to become the fourth horse, after Wayward Lad, four- time King George hero Desert Orchid and five- time winner Kauto Star, to capture the Christmas feature on three occasions.

The government announced on Monday that up to 4,000 spectators will be allowed to attend sporting events held in Tier 1 areas when lockdown comes to an end next Wednesday, with up to 2,000 let into venues in Tier 2. But elite sport in Tier 3 will remain subject to a shutout after December 2.

Nevin Truesdale, Group Chief Executive of the Jockey Club, which owns Kempton Park, said yesterday: “Hopefully the opportunity to return to racecourses is hugely welcome news for racing fans, as it is on the long road to recovery for sports reliant on spectators to support livelihoods.

“Racing has had detailed and careful protocols in place since racing resumed behind closed doors on June 1 and these have been working really well.

“We now look forward to finding out more details in the coming days, including on Thursday learning which tiers each of our courses fall into.”

But Kempton will admit crowds – if permitted – even if their presence means the Boxing Day fixture is staged at a financial loss. “We have taken the decision that wherever we are allowed to welcome racegoers we will do so,” added Truesdale.