The Grand National is one of the oldest horse races in the world and is a major event in the British sporting calendar. It takes place annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, and attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year. But since the coronavirus pandemic, the question of whether spectators are allowed at the Grand National is an important one.
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race which has been held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, since 1839. It is a Grade 3 handicap steeplechase race, run over a distance of four miles and two furlongs. It is a major event in the British racing calendar, and is watched by millions of people around the world.
When is the 2021 Grand National?
The 2021 Grand National will take place on Saturday 10th April, and will be the 183rd running of the race. It is one of the biggest events in the British sporting calendar and is eagerly anticipated by racing fans all over the world.
Will spectators be allowed at the Grand National?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the British government has imposed restrictions on large gatherings and events. This means that the 2021 Grand National will take place without spectators. However, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said that they are working with the government to allow a limited number of spectators to attend the race in 2021.
How many spectators will be allowed at the Grand National?
At present, it is not known how many spectators will be allowed at the Grand National. The BHA is currently discussing plans with the government, and is hoping to allow a limited number of spectators to attend the event. It is expected that any spectators will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines, and that the number of spectators will be strictly limited.
What other restrictions will be in place for the Grand National?
In addition to the restrictions on spectators, there will be a number of other measures in place for the 2021 Grand National. These include:
- Social distancing: All staff and participants at the Grand National will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines. This includes those working in the stable yards, press photographers and other members of the media.
- Facemasks: All staff and participants will be required to wear face coverings when not competing.
- Testing: All participants will be required to undergo regular testing for coronavirus.
- Sanitisation: There will be regular sanitisation of all areas of the racecourse.
- Contact tracing: All participants will be required to provide their contact details for contact tracing purposes.
How can I watch the Grand National if I can’t attend in person?
If you can’t attend the Grand National in person, there are still plenty of ways to watch and enjoy the event. The race will be broadcast on television and radio, and will be streamed online. There will also be a range of interactive digital experiences available for those watching from home.
What other events are taking place at Aintree?
Aintree Racecourse is home to a number of other major horse races throughout the year. These include the Crabbie’s Grand National Festival in April, the Randox Health Grand National Festival in December and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase in December. All of these events will take place without spectators and with strict safety measures in place.
What other races are taking place during the Grand National period?
As well as the Grand National itself, there will be a number of other major races taking place during the Grand National period. These include the Betway Bowl, the Betway Aintree Hurdle, the Betway Champion Chase and the Betway Grand Sefton Handicap Chase. All of these events will also take place without spectators and with strict safety measures in place.
What other measures are being taken to ensure safety at the Grand National?
The BHA is taking a range of measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the Grand National. These include:
- Social distancing: All staff and participants will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Testing: All participants will be required to undergo regular testing for coronavirus.
- Sanitisation: There will be regular sanitisation of all areas of the racecourse.
- Contact tracing: All participants will be required to provide their contact details for contact tracing purposes.
- Screening: All staff and participants will be required to undergo regular temperature checks and health screenings.
Conclusion
The 2021 Grand National will take place without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the BHA is working with the government to allow a limited number of spectators to attend the race in 2021. There will also be a range of other measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the event, including social distancing, testing, sanitisation, contact tracing and screening.
For those who can’t attend the Grand National in person, there will be a range of ways to watch and enjoy the event, including television, radio and online streaming. There will also be a number of other major races taking place during the Grand National period, all of which will be held without spectators and with strict safety measures in place.