CHEPSTOW are set to throw open their doors to punters on Welsh Grand National day – for the first time in THREE years.
The big race was held behind closed doors in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
The Welsh Grand National is one of the big races of the Festive period
The meeting was held behind closed doors in 2020 and 2021
And last winter, with the Omicron variant spreading around the country, all sporting fixtures in Wales were held in front of empty stadiums.
That included the Welsh Grand National, which is traditionally staged on December 27.
The move by the Welsh government was described as “damaging” by Chepstow chiefs at the time.
However, the course are expecting to bounce back with a huge crowd this year.
Not only will they be treated to high-class racing on the track, headlined by the £150,000 Coral-sponsored Welsh National.
But the track have also booked a Welsh choir and Tom Jones tribute act.
Track chief Phil Bell told the Racing Post: “The advance bookings are strong and hospitality is sold out – we could have done a few more if we had the capacity.
“The weather doesn’t look like it’s going to be an issue for the race and it looks relatively dry on Sunday and Monday, which could encourage people to come.
“I suspect the walk-up and last-minute take-up of tickets will be strong, looking at historical trends, while Tuesday is a bank holiday as well, which isn’t always the case on December 27.”
“It should be a great occasion and the Welsh National produces good stories; think of the Dream Alliance film or Synchronised and Native River going on to win Gold Cups.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/jockey-roisin-leech-conscious-and-moving-but-taken-for-brain-scan-after-horror-fall-at-ludlow/
