RCA Statement Regarding 19 July 2021

The Racecourse Association welcomes today’s announcement from the Prime Minister regarding his confidence that from 19th July all restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic will be lifted in England.

It has been 476 days since spectators were permitted without restriction to a British racecourse

The RCA, via its working groups and collaborative partnerships within the sport, will now focus its attention to supporting racecourses in preparing for full capacities and seeking similar clarification from devolved Governments in Scotland and Wales.

RCA Chief Executive David Armstrong commented “It has been 476 days since British racecourses were able to welcome racegoers without restriction. Clearly this has been a difficult time for racecourses on both a commercial level, we estimate the pandemic has cost racecourses £400m, and human level—we have deeply missed the atmosphere and presence of racegoers. The clarity provided by today’s Government announcement is wonderful news for racecourses in England and we will continue to work closely with our industry partners and the devolved Governments for an update from Wales and Scotland.

“With some of the sport’s marquee events to come including the Qatar Goodwood Festival, York’s Ebor Festival and the Cazoo St Leger Festival at Doncaster, our attention now turns to helping racecourses prepare for a fantastic summer. Certain restrictions may remain in place to protect racing’s participants but we will work closely with our partners across the sport to remove these as quickly as is possible whilst maintaining their safety.”