Races
ROYAL ASCOT: 12,000 racegoers set to be welcomed across five-day showpiece
Next month’s Royal Ascot meeting will welcome a total of 60,000 racegoers across its five days
Royal Ascot has been selected as part of the Events Research Programme to represent horse racing as a pilot event in the welcoming back of crowds at major sporting occasions, the course has confirmed.
Originally, the intention was to host a third of new figure between the dates of 15th and 19th June.
But the Berkshire track, which hosts its feature event taking place just over a week after the Epsom Derby Festival, said in a statement that the prestigious fixture will welcome 12,000 racegoers across each of its quintet of days next month.
In an announcement on Wednesday morning, the course said: “Ascot Racecourse, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Racecourse Association (RCA) announce today (26th May) that Royal Ascot (15th – 19th June) has been selected to be part of the Events Research Programme (ERP) on behalf of the sport.
“Whilst the precise detail of what will be trialled and what the requirements from visitors to the racecourse will be remains work in progress, it is confirmed today that 12,000 people will be admitted each day to Royal Ascot.
“As details are confirmed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and following input from Public Health England and Ascot’s Safety Advisory Group, they will become available on this website.”
The biggest outdoor event in the United Kingdom since the easing of restrictions was the FA Cup final at Wembley between Leicester City and Chelsea earlier this month.
And BHA chief executive Julia Harrington told of her delight as to how racing can safely and securely hold a covid-safe pilot as the roadmap to a restrictive-free style of living continues.
“It’s excellent news that Ascot will be included in the Events Research Programme as a pilot event.
“It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how racing events are perfectly suited to safely hosting spectators in greater numbers as we progress through the government’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions.”
