CROWD PLEASER
Glorious Goodwood set to sell out
GLORIOUS GOODWOOD could be a sell-out as crowds prepare to flock back to racecourses.
Spectators are allowed to return to tracks without limits on capacity from Monday as Covid restrictions are lifted.
And the early signs are that the five-day Qatar Goodwood Festival, which starts on July 27, will be packed to the rafters.
Racecourse director John Barnett said: “We could be looking at two or even three sell-outs at the end of the week.
“And even Tuesday and Wednesday, which see the Goodwood Cup and Sussex Stakes, could well be busier than usual.
“We’ve taken a prudent approach all year – we’ve planned for capacity crowds but hadn’t released tickets for 100 per cent capacity.”
A crowd of 12,000 to 13,000 is expected on the first two days increasing to 20 to 25,000 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Next month’s Ebor meeting at York is also expected to play host to bumper crowds.
William Derby, York’s Chief Executive, said: “In a normal year we would have 80,000 people at the Ebor Festival over the four days. With this year being affected by the pandemic we are looking forward to getting towards that number.
“We hope people will come and rediscover racing, being outside and enjoying it from the track. Tickets are selling strongly at this stage. People we talk to are so keen to come.”
The Racecourse Association has issued guidance for racegoers that include wearing masks in indoor areas and taking lateral flow tests.