Health advice issued for those planning to attend Cheltenham

PA Sport Reporters
March 5, 2020 1:30 pm

Racegoers told not to travel to Festival if experiencing any symptoms associated with coronavirus.

Racegoers are being urged not to attend next week’s Cheltenham Festival if they are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with coronavirus or if they have travelled through any high-risk countries or been in contact with anyone that has.

A public health notice has been added to the track’s latest update on the British Horseracing Authority’s administration site.

It reads: “Do not travel to the Festival if: – You have any of the following symptoms – a cough, a high temperature or shortness of breath AND – You have been to or transitted through the high-risk countries, or been in contact with anyone that has, in the last 14 days.

“To protect yourself and others please do not travel and call NHS 111 (GB) or HSE 112 (Republic of Ireland) for expert advice.

“These measures are being taken in order for us to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing during the current public health situation.

“Thank you for your understanding. For more details, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.”

The Betfair market surrounding the possibility of the Festival’s cancellation has attracted plenty of attention in recent days, with £2.4 million traded, but the fixture remains odds-on to go ahead at 1.38 (4-11).

However, the firm has opened the market on the likelihood of next month’s Grand National taking place, with a small amount traded so far, just under £4,000 at 11.10am, favouring the meeting being called off.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: “The odds on Cheltenham seem to have stabilised at around 2-5 which is encouraging, but since we went up with the Aintree market it’s been odds-on not to take place and the ramifications that could have for the racing world are wide reaching.”