Picturesque British racecourse York is set to welcome a crowd in the ballpark of 30 000 as racegoers begin to flood back to live racing in the UK.
With COVID essentially curtailing crowds since last year’s Cheltenham Festival 16 months ago, an incremental rise in cap size has seen 4 000 capacities in May move to 12 000 at Royal Ascot and now a further upping for York.
According to racingpost.com, York’s head of marketing and sponsorship James Brennan is bullish at the chance to welcome so many people, despite the backdrop being 12 000-14 000 anticipated at Ascot for the rival King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes card.
“We’re cautiously hoping we’re going to stay dry until they go home on Saturday night,” Brennan informed.
“There’s a little more cloud around and a little more breeze so Friday and Saturday are set to be fresher. The weather always helps with ticket sales and we’re excited to be back to welcoming a normal-sized crowd and being able to offer them something normal in terms of the experience.”
He added, “There’s a real buzz about the place, albeit it’s pretty hectic having conversations like, ‘Hang on, when did we last do that? October 2019?”
Although COVID caps and protocols are still very much a work in progress for outdoor events in the UK, indeed globally, Brennan is confident of hosting a safe and festive race day: “It’ll be lovely to see people back and we’ve got lots of space and fresh air, but also lots of hand sanitiser around. We’re still aware of the government’s messaging, although we’re equally hopeful that it will feel a lot more normal than our last meeting on John Smith’s Cup day with only 4 000 people and the full protocols.”
