Cheltenham Racecourse has confirmed that The Festival will be held behind closed doors.
The Festival is the biggest meet at Cheltenham Racecourse, and is due to take place in March 2021. However, horseracing fans will have to watch the pinnacle of the Jump Race season on television as the event will take place behind closed doors.
A statement on Cheltenham Racecourse’s website said: ‘Following the cancellation of Festival Trials Day (Saturday 30 January 2021) due to a waterlogged course, the next meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse will be the highlight of the Jump Racing season: the four days of The Festival from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2021.
‘Based on current government restrictions, professional sport is able to continue under stringent health and safety protocols, without spectators present. In horseracing’s case this is vital to support the livelihoods of the many thousands of people who rely on the industry and for the welfare of the thousands of Thoroughbred racehorses who live and train in Britain.
‘This means that under current restrictions, The Festival will take place as a televised event, but sadly without spectators at the course. We continue to monitor Government guidance and should this change in advance of The Festival we will act accordingly.’
Televised action from The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse will be on ITV and RacingTV, from 1.30pm on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
For more information, see The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
