Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) welcome yesterday’s announcement from the Government that spectators will be permitted to return to sporting venues in England from 2 December. In anticipation of the return of spectators, ARC will waive the entrance fee for all on course bookmakers for all fixtures at which spectators are admitted, for the remainder of 2020.
Managing Director of ARC’s Racing Division, Mark Spincer, said, “We were pleased to receive the latest update from Government, and very much look forward to welcoming spectators back to our sites over the coming weeks.
“We await further information regarding regional tiers, and to ascertain which venues we will be able to admit spectators in England, but we are in the process of making sure that racing fans and owners can enjoy the experience of coming racing again as soon as possible, in a safe manner.
“Whilst racing behind closed doors has been hugely important for the racing industry, we’re acutely aware of the impact that the restrictions of recent months have had on on-course bookmakers. As such, we will waive the entrance and marketing fees for any of ARC’s 52 horseracing meetings from December 2 to the end of the year at which we can admit spectators. Equally, we will look at what we can do from January 2021 onwards to work with and support our colleagues in the betting ring.”
Leading on course bookmaker, Keith Johnson, said, “I would like to thank ARC for this support of on-course bookmakers during what has been an incredibly difficult time. This tangible support will be for the benefit of many in the industry, and will be very much appreciated.
“As restrictions are eased, we can start to look to the future with more confidence and work together to bring a bit of a buzz back to the betting ring once more.”
Full details regarding availability of pitches and other operational requirements, such as social distancing setup, will be made available for on-course bookmakers via AGT in due course. Equally, ticketing details and availability for general admission for eligible fixtures at ARC venues will be made available shortly.
