Goodwood pilot event for return of spectators withdrawn due to Covid-19

Following government announcements made today, horseracing on Saturday will continue exlcusively behind closed doors as it has on the earlier days of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

 

A joint industry statement released by the racecourse association stated, “The Prime Minister has set out the rationale for the government’s decision, so the horse racing industry understands that concern about the Covid-19 national infection rate is the primary reason.

 

“Goodwood Racecourse and the Racecourse Association have been leading work on the pilot event, with the safety of Members and all those attending as the most important priority.

 

“Government and public health officials, national and local, have been briefed throughout on the plans and had approved the approach being taken.

 

“We are clear that the decision to cancel is not a consequence of any concerns about these plans or the measures taken by Goodwood to keep attendees safe but relates to the changing national situation.

 

“We are very disappointed for those who were hoping to attend tomorrow’s event and for all those who have worked so hard to make it possible for spectators to be present. We will engage with public health authorities and DCMS over a rescheduled pilot at the earliest opportunity.”