Full crowds at Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival amid new Covid guidance for fans

Fans are gearing up for a spectacular summer at the races, with the Go Racing In Yorkshire Festival one of the highlights for the north.

From July 17-25, ten meetings are included as venues prepare for the return of full capacity crowds.

The festival begins with Ripon's fixture on Saturday, two days before the UK coronavirus restrictions are lifted and tracks can run events with normal numbers.

In preparation, the Racecourse Association (RCA) has issued eight steps for racegoers to consider when committing to attending a fixture.

The list includes encouraging use of the vaccination and a free lateral flow test from the government, prior to travelling.

Charlotte Russell, general manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire, said the new rules come just at the right time for the nine-day festival.

"It has been refreshing to be able to make plans again and exciting that the majority of the week will take place without crowd restrictions," she added.

Following visits to Doncaster, Redcar, Beverley, Catterick, Thirsk and York, the festival concludes on Sunday, July 25 at Pontefract.

Jockey and stable staff rehabilitation centre in Malton, Jack Berry House, is open to the public between 12pm and 2pm on July 20, the one day without a meeting on the schedule.

The winner of the best turned out horse competition in each of the Sky Bet -sponsored races will be tallied and the yard with the most winners receives a prize of £1,000.

The bookmaker is also backing the leading jockey award for the week, while Goldsborough Hall, a historic house near Knaresborough, has sponsored the prize for leading trainer.

Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet said: "It’s great to have the opportunity to sponsor at not only some of the county’s, but the country's finest racecourses."

The new crowd rules apply to English tracks and fans are advised to check in advance with racecourses in Scotland and Wales for their requirements.

David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association (RCA) said: “We thank all our racegoers for the responsible behaviour they have shown since they were able to return to racecourses and we are very excited to welcome back all racegoers from Monday in England and later in August in Wales and Scotland. As an outdoors event, people can have confidence in attending a race meeting in safety.

“Nevertheless, we encourage all to continue to follow the recommended advice and in particular, to check on any restrictions that are still in place in Scotland and Wales. The safety of our racegoers will always be our top priority.

“We continue to liaise with our colleagues from other major sports and local and national authorities to ensure we are all operating to the highest levels of public safety. That includes planning for a system of COVID certification should that be required.”

Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival dates in full

Saturday 17th July – Ripon

Saturday 17th July – Doncaster (Evening)

Sunday 18th July – Redcar

Monday 19th July – Beverley (Evening)

Tuesday 20th July – Jack Berry House Open Afternoon 12noon – 2pm

Wednesday 21st July – Catterick

Thursday 22nd July – Doncaster (Evening)

Friday 23rd July – Thirsk

Friday 23rd July – York (Evening)

Saturday 24th July – York

Sunday 25th July – Pontefract

The RCA's eight requests to racegoers

– Please vaccinate where possible to maximise protection to fellow racegoers and members of staff. Vaccination remains a key priority in the response to the pandemic

– Use the government's offer of free lateral flow tests; consider taking one before you travel

– Do not attend if you have symptoms or are in any doubt about your health

– If travelling to the racecourse via public transport, please adhere to the relevant guidance

– Respect the rules of the venue you are attending and check in advance with the racecourse to see what is required

– Wear face coverings in busy indoor areas or in accordance with the national restrictions for Scotland and Wales (check with the racecourse in advance if you are unsure)

– Ensure you are familiar with social distancing restrictions where these apply (from August 7 in Wales and August 9 in Scotland)

– Treat stewards with respect and adhere to their requests

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