No crowds at Goodwood for Stewards’ Cup day

Spectators will no longer be permitted to attend the final day of the Goodwood Festival on Saturday, the Prime Minister has announced. 

As many as 5000 people were initially permitted to attend the Stewards’ Cup as part of a pilot scheme to reintroduce people at sporting events, but that decision has been overturned at the last minute after a recent upturn in Coronavirus cases over the past couple of days. 

The restrictions will last for a minimum of two weeks, meaning that the proposed return of spectators to sporting events in October could now be pushed back. 

Adam Waterworth, Managing Director of Sport at the Goodwood Estate commented; "We have been led by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport throughout and whilst we are disappointed by the news, the health and safety of attendees, customers and staff is of paramount importance."

David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association, added; "The RCA is very disappointed to learn that the pilot event at Goodwood Racecourse scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed.

"We understand and respect the issues raised within the Prime Minister's announcement and have always maintained that public health has been paramount to any event, be it racing resuming behind closed doors or with crowds.

"The work undertaken by the sport, and especially the Goodwood team, to bring the safety protocols to life has been very thorough and detailed. It is worth reiterating there were no concerns with the protocols put in place by the sport and Goodwood Racecourse and we wish them the very best for the final two days of the Qatar Goodwood Festival which will take place behind closed doors.

"The RCA will continue to work closely with Government to plan future pilot events to welcome back crowds subject to the latest public health advice."