Covid-19 restrictions appear set to be lifted in boost to racing in England
The prime minister is expected to announce the majority of restrictions in England will be lifted, including scrapping the one-metre social-distancing rule, which would be a boost to racegoers, who have had on-track presence since May, albeit that number has been capped at a maximum of 4,000.
Racing was on Monday eagerly awaiting an announcement by prime minister Boris Johnson on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in England, which could result in the return of racegoers in bigger numbers and more general positivity for the sport.
Optimism grew over the weekend that some form of normality would be restored from Monday, July 19, a month later than officials had outlined when detailing their roadmap out of the pandemic earlier in the year.
Coronavirus infections are rising, but government ministers have indicated that restrictions will be eased, with new health secretary Sajid Javid insisting that the nation had to "learn to live" with Covid-19.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick also indicated on Sunday the wearing of face coverings would not be compulsory and Johnson is due to host a news conference on Monday at 5pm.
The prime minister is expected to announce the majority of restrictions in England will be lifted, including scrapping the one-metre social-distancing rule, which would be a boost to racegoers, who have had on-track presence since May, albeit that number has been capped at a maximum of 4,000.
Crowds of up to 10,000 were permitted at Royal Ascot as that event was part of a government pilot scheme.
The Times is reporting that the government is set to announce that sports will be able to return to full crowds this summer without the requirement for vaccine passports.
The potential return in force of spectators would be welcomed by racecourses, which have staged plenty of showpiece fixtures behind closed doors since the sport restarted after the first lockdown on June 1 last year.
'The current situation limits turnover'
On-course bookmakers have also been impacted and Tony Styles, who trades as Bob Stock, is praying for positivity.
"I'm hopeful so we can get back to normal because the current situation limits turnover," he said.
"It has helped that there are fewer bookmakers on course, but for the poor bookmakers that can't get on course it's no good at all. It's been a difficult 15 months for the industry so we can't wait to get back to normal. It comes to a head particularly badly at Epsom where people can't come out with a drink, they have to drink inside or sit down on a bench and there aren't enough benches, it makes it very complicated and difficult so the sooner we get back to normal the better."
Fellow layer John Hooper added: "It's huge for us but we can't plan at the moment as we don't know what they're going to do. And we're not sure what racecourses will do on the back of that. Whether they'll allow full crowds or not and whether they'll retain some elements of social distancing or not, who knows – it's all up in the air at the moment. It's been dreadful for the industry, as it has lots of industries, but it's been absolutely awful."
Beverley, Cartmel and Windsor are due to race on July 19. Ayr also races that day, but restrictions in Scotland are not due to be lifted until August 9. The next review of restrictions in Wales is on July 15.
The first major race after that is Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, which takes place on July 24 and is shaping up to be a cracker featuring Derby hero Adayar.
The Qatar Goodwood festival, better known as the Sussex site's Glorious meeting, quickly follows from July 27-31 and is regarded as one of Flat racing's summer highlights.