Coronavirus: Doncaster Racecourse issues statement on refunds after racing goes behind closed doors

Yesterday, the British Horseracing Authority announced that all racing between today and at least the end of the month will take place without the public in attendance because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means a race meeting at Doncaster this Wednesday, the Lincoln meeting on March 28 and the The Magical World of Racing meet on March 29 will all take place behind closed doors.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “We can confirm that all Doncaster Racecourse fixtures will take place behind closed doors from Tuesday 17 March until at least the end of the month.

“This includes The Unibet Lincoln and The Magical World of Racing.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this causes, but no one beyond the minimum essential staff required to operate the raceday will be admitted.

“Unfortunately, racehorse owners will not be permitted entry to the site, as will anyone who turns up on the day.

“Anyone who has booked tickets or hospitality during this time will be offered to reschedule their booking or receive a full refund.”

Raceogers are being advised to contact [email protected] with their reservation number.

Martin Cruddace of Doncaster Racecourse owners ARC said, “We are in unprecedented times, and we have a duty of care to our staff and those for whom there is a need to attend race meetings, whether racehorses or greyhounds. Our measures are comprehensive and do not attract any appreciable increase in risk.”

“As we move into the spring and summer months, and racecourses rely much more heavily on attendance income, it is a near certainty that this period will have a drastic impact on the viability of a large number of fixtures. It is inevitable that we will have to work closely with, and rely upon, the support of our valued partners at the Levy Board and the betting industry to maintain current fixture levels.”