Catterick looking forward to welcoming spectators back on course

CATTERICK is preparing for a gradual return of spectators next month as a result of the Government’s post-lockdown restrictions.
A limited number of spectators could go racing at Catterick next month.A limited number of spectators could go racing at Catterick next month.
A limited number of spectators could go racing at Catterick next month.

The track is eligible to host racegoers because North Yorkshire falls into Tier 2 under arrangements set out to Parliament.

However racing will have to continue behind closed doors at Wetherby and Doncaster, the county’s two other National Hunt tracks, because both West and South Yorkshire are subject to more draconian Tier 3 rules.

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Tier 2 status permits sporting venues, from Premier League football grounds to racecourses, to admit up to 2,000 spectators or 50 per cent of the usual capacity limit – whichever is lowest.

Catterick has been racing infront of empty stands since March.Catterick has been racing infront of empty stands since March.
Catterick has been racing infront of empty stands since March.

In Catterick’s case, its maximum attendance is 3,500 people – though it rarely achieves that number of spectators to meetings. But the situation is further complicated by an ongoing renovation programme that will limit capacity, still further, for its next meeting on December 15.

As a result, Catterick clerk of the course Fiona Needham says the track will look to accept applications from annual badge holders only.

She said the venue’s ability to host more racegoers could increase in time for festive meetings on December 28 and January 3 if the new owners and trainers facility is complete.

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However she says attendees will have to apply in advance and people living in Tier 3 areas will not be permitted to attend because of the Covid risk.

Catterick is one of the country's more atmospheric racecourses.Catterick is one of the country's more atmospheric racecourses.
Catterick is one of the country's more atmospheric racecourses.

“We are going to tip our toe into the water at our next meeting and take it from there,” she told The Yorkshire Post.

“It will be nice to have some people back and a bit of normality at the end of a long year – I know a lot of people are wanting to come.”

Racing has been staged behind closed doors since its return on June 1, barring two crowd pilots at Doncaster and Warwick in September.

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In the meantime spectators could be back on track at Ludlow, Lingfield, Haydock and Kempton on Wednesday because all four tracks are in Tier 2 areas under the Government’s post-lockdown restrictions.

Ludlow’s general manager Simon Sherwood is looking forward to the return of a crowd, although he is anticipating no more than 600 spectators on the day as the track “treads cautiously”.

He said: “We’ll tread cautiously being one of the first back. We’re allowed 2,000, but realistically we’ll be welcoming our members back first and then a small amount of the public. I wouldn’t have thought we’d be pushing close to 2,000, our capacity wouldn’t allow that anyway with social distancing.”

Hollie Doyle has been named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year for 2020.

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Having broken her own record for the most winners in a calendar year by a female jockey, Doyle enjoyed a Champions Day double at Ascot – including her first victory at Group One level as Glen Shiel clung on by a nose in the British Champions Sprint. Earlier in the campaign the 24-year-old claimed her first Royal Ascot win aboard Scarlet Dragon.

Doyle joins an illustrious list of former winners of the award which includes Denise Lewis, Kelly Holmes, Jessica Ennis-Hill and 2019 winner Dina Asher-Smith.

BHA chair Annamarie Phelps paid tribute to Doyle, saying: “Through her dedication, professionalism, bravery, focus, athletic ability and level-headedness Hollie sets the template that all young sports people should aspire to, regardless of sport or gender.”

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