RACING fans could be able to return to courses to watch the action live from December 2 onwards.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning a relaxation of the sport coronavirus rules for Christmas.
In a huge boost for the nation, fans in Tier 1 and 2 are expected to be allowed to watch Premier League games and other sporting events in the flesh after the lockdown ends.
This means limited numbers of fans fans could be back at Lingfield, Haydock, Ludlow and Kempton when lockdown ends on December 2.
Failing that, Wincanton, Leicester and Market Rasen the day after could be targeted for the return.
Although Liecester and Market Rasen are in areas with rates of high infection so they may have to be ruled out.
Nevertheless, the good news also raises the possibility of fans being able to watch the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Before that is the Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown on December 5.
And Cheltenham’s two-day International Meeting on December 11 and 12 could have fans back in some form.
A set number of sport lovers will be allowed back into sporting venues to witness the action.
However, those in Tier 3 will continue to be locked out.
British racing had two small pilot meetings in which fans were allowed at Doncaster and Warwick in September.
British Horseracing Authority chief Nick Rust is hopeful for the return of fans as soon as possible, with an eye to Cheltenham Festival in March.
He said: “We have been working closely with government to make sure we’re at the forefront of any pilots with regards to spectators returning.
“It’s a difficult message to come out and say we’re returning to pilots for sport if we’re telling people they can only have one day at Christmas with one other household.
“DCMS is working hard to make sure these pilots are on and we’re pretty confident we’ll have some pilots certainly in the period immediately after Christmas and leading up to the spring period.”
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