Announcements

SPECTATORS could next week attend a top-level sports event in St Helens for the first time since March.

Haydock Park is one of four racecourses across the country in Tier 2 that has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday - the day after the current national lockdown ends.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that outdoor venues in Tier 1 and 2 areas would be allowed to admit spectators on a limited basis after the end of the national lockdown on December 2, with up to 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits – whichever is lowest – in place in Tier 1, dropping to 2,000, or 50 per cent capacity, in Tier 2.

And with St Helens being in Tier 2, as published by the Government today, Thursday, Haydock Park could welcome racegoers next Wednesday for its 'Christmastime Raceday'.

Course chiefs are urging race fans to keep an eye on Haydock Park's website and social media for further details regarding when the track will open its doors to spectators again.

"Following the news that Haydock Park Racecourse is in a Tier 2 area of England, we will be now able to welcome a limited number of racegoers when we race after 2nd December 2020, says a Jockey Club statement on Haydock Park's website.

"We’re looking forward to opening our doors again and working hard to make sure we provide an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone who joins us on course.

"Please continue to visit our website and check our social media channels and email newsletters for further ticketing and attendance details."

Haydock Park has two further meetings scheduled in December, the Betway Tommy Whittle Chase Day on December 19 and the Last Fling Race Meeting on December 30.

Racing has been staged across the country behind closed doors since its return on June 1, barring two crowd pilots at Doncaster and Warwick in September.