A number of fixtures at a sports venue in Staffordshire have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Uttoxeter Racecourse has had to suspend its Staffordshire Plate on May 2, the visit of Rick Astley on May 16, Ladies Night on June 11 and the Summer Cup on June 28, as well as all other meetings, after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said that all jump racing in Britain would be suspended until the end of June.
A spokesperson for the BHA said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that it will delay the resumption of jump racing until the beginning of July.
“The return to racing is also likely to be phased with a limited number of fixtures in the initial weeks.
“This reflects the likelihood that any easing of the Covid-19 situation, and any associated restrictions and pressures on medical services, will also happen progressively.
“With flat racing usually entering its core season at this time of year, the focus in the early stages of the return to racing will be on providing opportunities to the flat horse population.”
BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman added: “The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport.
“We are working closely with the horsemen, racecourses and Levy Board to ensure the sport is ready for a resumption of racing at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Our planning is progressing well, and it is important that we keep everybody informed as it develops to help them with their own decision-making.”
A spokesperson for Uttoxeter Racecourse said: “Following this afternoon’s announcement from the British Horseracing Authority, all jump racing in Britain has been suspended until the end of June.
This includes our fixture here at Uttoxeter on May 2 (Staffordshire Plate), 16 (featuring Rick Astley) and 24 as well as June 4, 11 (Ladies Night), 17 and 28 (Summer Cup).
“Please note that we are currently working with Rick Astley’s management and are confident of rescheduling his live show that had been scheduled for May 16.
“We will update customers with more information as soon as possible.
“Please rest assured that if you had booked tickets or hospitality to any of these fixtures, you will be eligible to transfer them to a an alternative meeting in the future, or receive a full refund should you wish.
“As ever, we would like to thank all of our customers for their understanding at this time and wish everyone all the best.”
Those who have booked for a horse racing fixture in April, May and June can transfer their booking to an alternative date or can claim a refund by emailing info@uttoxeter-raceourse.co.uk with their booking reference and whether they would like to reschedule to have a refund.
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