By St Leger to go ahead despite risk
The St Leger horse racing festival is set to go ahead and allow public attendance this month, despite the Mayor of Doncaster describing it as “too great” a coronavirus risk.
Set to begin on 9 September, St Leger has been included on a list of sporting events used to pilot the safe return of spectators.
Doncaster mayor Ros Jones said the decision puts the coronavirus situation in the borough “in jeopardy”.
She added that the decision was made without consulting Doncaster Council:
“It is out of the control of me and the council and personally, I think the risk of Covid-19 infection is too great.
“We have been coping well in Doncaster, but this could all be put in jeopardy.”
Labour MP for Doncaster Central Rosie Winterton has welcomed the news, which comes after Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust announced that it has just four coronavirus patients in hospital care.
Ms Winterton said:
“The St Leger Festival is a hugely important event for Doncaster and the region and, having lobbied the Sports Minister to support the bid, I am delighted that it has been approved to host a pilot event for the return of crowds.”
The racecourse is set to welcome 3,640 general admissions on its first day, rising to 6,202 general admissions for the following three days.
Social distancing and safety measures, including a one-way system, are to be put in place
Attendees will only be admitted if they have purchased tickets online in order to adhere to track and trace systems.
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