CHELTENHAM racecourse authorities have sparked fears this year’s festival could be axed after advising punters with coronavirus symptoms not to travel.
It comes as Italy’s clash with Ireland in the Six Nations, numerous Serie A matches, and a host of other major sporting events have been cancelled to contain the spread of the virus.
Bosses at the British Horseracing Authority and Cheltenham Racecourse have insisted that the festival, which begins on March 10, will go ahead.
However, officials have now warned racegoers who have traveled through high-risk countries or been in contact with anyone who has in the last 14 days, should NOT attend the festival.
The public health notice has been released by Cheltenham and reads: ” Do not travel to the Cheltenham Festival if you have symptoms of a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath.
“AND if you have been or transited through high risk countries, or been in contact with anyone that has, in last 14 days.
“To protect yourself & others please do not travel & call HSE 112 or 999 for expert advice. These measures are in order to safeguard everyone’s health & wellbeing during the current public health situation.”
Odds on Cheltenham Festival being postponed have been slashed in recent days as the number of cases in the UK continues to rise.
Yet the event remains committed to hygiene, sourcing extra paper towels and antiseptic gel, as well as taking on more staff to support cleaning efforts of the 2,200 toilets.
Ian Renton, regional director of Cheltenham Racecourse, told the Telegraph: “We’re working closely with the Department of Health to maximise hygiene facilities at the course.
“We are looking to improve it where we can and hygiene is at the centre of what we are doing. Otherwise it’s full-steam ahead.”
Meanwhile, Premier League clubs now expect they will have to play some games behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.
SunSport reported how League chiefs have sent letters to all 20 clubs warning of the possibility of no fans in grounds to ensure the season is completed.
The Italian government have ordered all sporting events to take place without fans until April 3 due to coronavirus outbreak – including England’s Six Nations game in Rome on March 14.
