Ascot officials proud of their performance

ASCOT officials are reflecting on a successful week after the first Royal meeting run behind closed doors in its famous 250year history.

While the Berkshire racecourse would usually welcome 300,000 racegoers through its doors across the five-day showpiece meeting, an attendance of around 500 were allowed on track each day because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the obvious differences, the action on the track was excellent as ever – and Ascot’s director of racing and public affairs Nick Smith has received plenty of positive feedback.

Speaking on Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday programme, Smith said: “It was a good week. It was a difficult situation for everybody, but everyone played their part.

“A big thanks to the trainers and jockeys, who really got the spirit of the thing going.

“I think Frankie [Dettori] said when he walked in on Tuesday he needed three espressos – I think everyone felt a bit like that. But by yesterday he was having a treble, and all these different stories started to unravel. I think everyone has done a good job to get it out there.”

Smith has been presented with several challenges during his 20year tenure, but nothing quite like this year as the sport as a whole attempted to get the show back on the road after the outbreak of Covid-19 forced a complete shutdown for several weeks.

He added: “I think the week leading up to Royal Ascot this year was probably more intense than I can ever remember.

“I remember Royal Ascot at York, which was tremendous fun, and opening up Ascot after the redevelopment – but it was nothing like this.

“We were aware of the responsibility on our shoulders and the BHA’s shoulders. I think it all came together nicely.”