NO AMATEUR DRAMATICS
Codd and Co are ruled out of Cheltenham
AMATEUR RIDERS have been ruled out of competing at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
The meeting stages three contests, the National Hunt Chase, Kim Muir Handicap Chase, and the St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase, exclusively for the unpaid ranks.
But with amateurs currently sidelined — the government’s COVID-19 ban on grassroots sport, including pointto-point racing, is set to come to an end on March 29 — the races will now be contested by professional jockeys. Jamie Codd, who has 10 Festival victories on his CV, was due to partner Weatherbys Champion Bumper fancy Sir Gerhard for Gordon Elliott. “Cheltenham is where we really like to be competing and showcasing our status,” said Codd (left).
“It’s hugely disappointing, but the UK Government have their decision made.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve missed Cheltenham and it’s been a very lucky hunting ground for me, but that’s the way it is. With the restrictions that are in place, I don’t think I’ll be travelling over. We’ll probably sit at home and cheer Gordon’s horses on from there.”
But the British Horseracing Authority is working on a plan for amateurs to ride at Aintree’s Randox Grand National meeting, which is due to start 10 days after the return of grassroots sport.
“We would love to see amateurs able to ride again as soon as possible and will be working with DCMS, as we have throughout the pandemic, to ensure that happens,” said a BHA spokesperson.