CRISIS-HIT Perth Racecourse have closed their on-course hotel – and will now hand it over to the NHS to use for coronavirus patients.
Sun Racing told earlier this week how the track could go bust if they’re not allowed to race this season.
They have definitely lost their prestigious three-day April meeting but there are major doubts over much of their season, with chief executive Hazel Peplinski appealing for punters to defer tickets to 2021 in a bid to help cash flow.
Perth have invested heavily in their facilities in recent years, building their hotel, The Lodge, as well as adding new stables on site.
Until the coronavirus hit, this was a hugely successful business holding weddings and business meetings on non-race days.
The loss of racing income will be catastrophic and now they’ve been forced to cancel bookings in the hotel to comply with government advice.
In a statement, the racecourse said: “It is with deep regret that the decision has today been made to suspend trading at The Lodge from 5pm tomorrow, Friday, 20th March for a minimum of four weeks.
“On the basis of the unprecedented circumstances we are all living in at present, as well as Government and NHS advice, this was the only possible decision which could be reached with the health and safety of all people the absolute priority.
“Staff at The Lodge were the first to be informed earlier this afternoon.
“All guests with reservations within that period have also been informed and refunded.
From the bottom of our hearts we’d like to thank all staff at The Lodge for their hard work and commitment in these most trying of circumstances for everyone.
“We are doing everything within our power and control to work towards the best possible outcome for all.
“With everything so fast-moving, we will continue to monitor the situation very closely and continue to follow all government and NHS advice.
“The decision to close for a minimum of four weeks is subject to ongoing review in line with that.
“Perth Racecourse can also confirm that The Lodge has been offered to local emergency services and the NHS for use as a closed facility should it help the incredible work they are doing around the clock to keep us all safe.
“We’d like to wish everyone the very best of health and encourage you all to look after each other in the days and weeks ahead.”
