Musselburgh Racecourse may go a full year without spectators

Two attempts to stage pilot race meetings with up to 500 spectators in August and September did not come to fruition and, with a changing Covid-19 situation, he believes there is a strong possibility that the upcoming National Hunt season will play out behind closed doors.

However, he is hopeful that racing could return in full for the 2021 Flat season, when Musselburgh will play host to three feature race days – The Queen’s Cup, Edinburgh Cup and sell-out annual Ladies Day fixture.

Mr Farnsworth said: “We are still keen to play our part in holding a pilot meeting with a limited number of spectators if the situation allows and it meets all the expectations, and is approved by the relevant Government and racing industry authorities.

“But it would not be a total surprise if we went a full 12 months without spectators and started afresh with the beginning of our Flat season next Easter.

“We understand the frustration of regular race-goers but, set against the bigger picture, we just have to bide our time and be prepared to hit the ground running whenever we get the green light.

“With our big three seasonal highlight race days spread throughout the summer, it will certainly make 2021 all that more special.

“In the meantime, we will be ready to react quickly should the situation change for the better and we can move forward to some form of normality.”

The current Flat season drew to a close at Musselburgh on Monday, with jumps racing returning on November 4 and running until March 26, 2021.