RACING will continue behind closed doors despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson enforcing a new national lockdown.
As an elite sport, racing is able to operate with strict COVID-19 measures remaining in place.
However, all betting shops must now close across Britain and the hopes of crowds returning anytime soon look remote.
Only today Cheltenham Racecourse admitted they are expecting little to no crowd at the Festival in March.
Other elite sports such as the Premier League and Rugby’s Gallagher Premiership will also continue behind closed doors.
The news is another setback for the racing industry, but thankfully the sport can continue to bring in revenue through the Levy.
The vital tax ensures prize money levels can be maintained and the tens of thousands employed in the industry remain in a job.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed: “Following this evening’s broadcast we can confirm racing will continue behind closed doors during the upcoming national lockdown.
“Attendance will be limited to those essential to the staging of fixtures and strict adherence to British racing’s COVID-19 protocols will be required for all who attend.”
Scottish Racing also added: “Following today’s announcement, the Scottish government has confirmed that racing can continue behind closed doors.”
Announcing the lockdown, Boris Johnson said: “As I speak to you tonight, our hospitals are under more pressure from Covid than at any time since the start of the pandemic,” he said in an address to the nation.
“I know how tough this is, and I know how frustrated you are and I know you have had more than enough of government guidance about defeating this virus, but now, more than ever, we must pull together.”
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