Doncaster Racecourse Told To Stop Spectators Attending St Leger Meeting

Doncaster Racecourse has been told by local health officials to stop spectators attending its St Leger meeting after Wednesday's opening day.

"On the grounds of public health and public safety I have instructed the course to hold the St Leger Festival behind closed doors from tomorrow," said Dr Rupert Suckling, director of Public Health for Doncaster.

The St Leger meeting was the first crowd at a British horse racing fixture in six months as part of a government pilot scheme for sporting events with 2,500 spectators expected over the course of Wednesday, adhering to the specific safe setting arrangements created at the racecourse. However, with the Government announcing on Tuesday night that social gatherings in England would reduce from a maximum of thirty to just six people from next Monday in response to rising numbers of coronavirus cases, local health officials have decided to act accordingly in advance.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said more details will be announced on Wednesday.