The biggest racing event in the Midlands racing calendar will go ahead despite coronavirus concerns.
The Midlands Grand National sees thousands of spectators flock to Uttoxeter Racecourse every year and is set to take place again tomorrow (March 14).
A number of sports have postponed their professional leagues, games and competitions temporarily amid the global coronavirus pandemic including rugby Six Nations and the Premier League.
However, tomorrow’s scheduled meeting is set to commence as usual, with extra cleanliness measures, with Uttoxeter Racecourse releasing the following statement:
“Uttoxeter Racecourse is closely monitoring the situation with regard Covid-19 (coronavirus), and the potential impact on any upcoming fixtures or events.
“The government do not advise us to cancel any events at this stage and therefore The Midlands Grand National will go ahead on 14th March as planned.
“We are taking a number of steps, including increasing the cleaning provisions on site and providing public information regarding the latest advice from health experts.
“Visitors to our site have plenty of opportunities to follow the official health guidance, which includes regularly washing their hands and maintaining high levels of personal hygiene.
“Extra banks of hand sanitisers will be available and we are stepping up the cleaning rotas across the site. We will also be prominently displaying the relevant advice from the Government and NHS.”
The Midlands Grand National first ran in 1969 and currently over a distance of four miles and two furlongs and 24 fences are jumped throughout. No horse has ever won the title twice.
Christmas in April in the favourite for the 2020 title at 9/2.
Gates open at 10.50am with the first race at 1.50pm and the Midlands Grand National race itself at 3.35pm.
A total pot of over £283,000 of prize money is on offer across the race card.
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