False start for Doncaster’s St Leger meeting as racegoers barred after first day amid virus fears

For, by the time Latest Generation had past the post under William Buick in front to reward favourite backers on Town Moor, it was confirmed that spectators will be forbidden from the final three days of the flagship fixture, including the world’s oldest Classic on Saturday.

And while the 2,500-strong crowd was permitted to stay for the remainder of the day on a site designed for social distancing, the announcement was a major blow to the attempts of racing – and sport – to welcome back fans and ease a growing financial crisis.

Last month, the planned pilot event at Goodwood was cancelled 24 hours before the event following a rise in coronavirus cases.

Now Doncaster Council – which had voiced some concerns about crowds returning to a high-profile racing meeting that is a longstanding highlight of South Yorkshire’s social calendar – intervened before the Prime Minister set out new lockdown rules following an alarming rise in Covid cases.

This saw Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health for Doncaster, conclude that “public order risks” across the borough might be compromised by such a gathering – around 6,000 tickets had been sold for St Leger day.

“The current rate of infection for the borough currently stands at 10.6 infections per 100,000 people,” he advised. “This is an increase due to a range of factors including an increase in testing and a lag in the test results coming in.

“I appreciate this decision may not be met with universal agreement but it is the safest and most appropriate way to move forward for everyone’s best interests in the borough and beyond.”

It’s unclear whether racing’s planned spectator trials at Warwick and Newmarket later this month will now take place. But the consensus from Doncaster was that those present had complied wit a strict code of conduct, remained in designated zones and refrained, as advised, from cheering home their winners.

Mark Spincer, managing director of Arena Racing Company’s racing division which oversees Doncaster, told The Yorkshire Post that the decision will cost the track £250,000 in refunds and set-up costs – there were more toilets than on St Leger day when up to 30,000 people can be present.

“I’m disappointed. Obviously public health comes over everything, and it is disappointing that a state of affairs outside our control, and outside our site, has resulted in this trial being stopped. Ultimately life is more important,” he added.

And this was reflected by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori after his win on Foxtrot Lady. “It’s a shame that we have to lock back again, but we have to keep people safe and hopefully we can get back to normal soon,” he said before performing a flying dismount to reward those lucky enough to witness this win.

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‘Avoiding hugs and high fives’

ALL RACEGOERS had to sign – and observe – a strict code of conduct at Doncaster which included:

* Observe all 2m social distancing protocols at all times.

* Celebrate with a silent cheer, and a clap, in order to help avoid the spread of Covid-19.

* Wear face masks when in a queue, visiting the bar, bookmakers or a lavatory.

* Ensure all payments are cashless – only bookmakers were accepting cash.

* Avoid face to face contact with other spectators and avoid hugs, high fives and any contact with people.

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James Mitchinson