Health advice issued for Cheltenham

A public health notice regarding coronavirus has been issued ahead of the Cheltenham racing Festival.

Racegoers are being urged to stay away from next week’s Festival if they are experiencing symptoms associated with coronavirus, have travelled through high-risk countries or been in contact with anyone who has.

The notice has been added to the British Horseracing Authority’s administration site.

British racing’s COVID-9 steering group also reminded all businesses and employers who are part of the racing industry to read the government’s action plan, published on Tuesday, and follow the appropriate guidance.

The Betfair market surrounding the possibility of the Festival’s cancellation has attracted plenty of attention in recent days, with nearly PS3 million traded at around 5pm on Thursday, but the fixture remains odds-on to go ahead at 2-7.

The firm has also opened a market on the likelihood of next month’s Grand National taking place, with the meeting an 8-11 chance to be called off.

Further afield, Meydan’s Super Saturday meeting this weekend will be run in front of only connections, sponsors and media, the Emirates Racing Authority has announced.

The card, which is the second most important staged in Dubai behind only World Cup night, will take place without spectators as part of measures relating to coronavirus.

Friday’s meeting at Jebel Ali and Sunday’s card at Abu Dhabi will also be without racegoers.

Racing in Hong Kong and Japan is closed to the public while Korea has suspended all meetings for the time being.