Operator News
UK – Grand National won’t be delayed by two days to when bookmakers can reopen
By Phil - 1 March 2021
This year’s Grand National meeting won’t be rescheduled to when retail bookmakers are allowed to open with Jockey Club Racecourses saying it wouldn’t delay the Aintree event.
It will take place, behind closed doors, from April 8 to 10, with bookmakers set to reopen on April 12, meaning customers will only be able to place bets via online betting sites.
Dickon White, the Jockey Club’s north west regional director, said: “Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday, we’ve consulted with various stakeholders and weighed up the pros and cons of attempting to delay the Randox Grand National Festival to a time when the country may have moved into ‘Step Two’ of lockdown restrictions lifting. We’ve reviewed multiple aspects, including people being at home and available to watch the racing and showcase our sport to the maximum audience; the impact on other racing fixtures in the UK and Ireland and feasibility of any delay; and the impact on hundreds of participants across 21 races at Aintree and beyond.
“We’ve considered whether there is any financial upside for the sport when all parts of such a move are accounted for; whether it is responsible to cause such a rush on betting shops just as they open again with a pandemic ongoing or if the Government intended for this to be more gradual; and whether we would disappoint fans by creating clashes with other sports events.”
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Whilst we of course respect the decision of the Jockey Club, this news is nonetheless a disappointing blow. Briefly delaying the race could have provided a much-needed boost to racing, to the high street and to millions of punters who support this great sport. Races are routinely rescheduled, including most recently because of bad weather. Of course there is always a risk with any decision, but I regret that a ‘can do’ approach did not prevail in this instance. This decision will also surprise many people who understand the challenging financial climate racing currently faces.”
