“Ridiculous”: Horse Racing Fans Enraged as Popular Racecourse Faces Closure to General Public

One of the most well-known racecourses which hosts several gatherings, seminars, and antique fairs throughout the year has announced a temporary closure. In lieu of this, it is restricting the entry of the general public. And, the racecourse closure is inducing racing fans’ rage owing to the restriction.

According to recent news, Southwell will be closed to the general public till March. The restrictions have been come into consideration following the substantial flood damage in October. Since the post regarding Southwell’s fixtures was shared, the fans began giving their reactions to it and showed their indignation.

Popular racecourse Southwell to Remain Closed Until March

In light of October’s extensive storm, Southwell Racecourse needs major renovations. Due to Storm Babet, a major part of the racecourse area was affected badly. The racecourse portions are submerged up to three feet underwater. The popular racecourse Southwell track’s first-floor amenities for owners, consistent employees, trainers, and its 320 annual members will remain open while repairs are being made. However, general public entry will not be allowed.

After the shutting down news, it has been speculated that the Winter Derby, the course’s first Group race, will take place at the fixture on February 24. However, it will be broadcast on ITV with Premier status but will not draw money from the audience.

Southwell’s temporary closure infuriates fans

As per an announcement made in October, the Winter Derby will now take place at the Nottinghamshire track instead of Lingfield, where it has been being held since 1998. Since Lingfield does not have floodlights, Arena Racing Company intends to hold the race in Southwell in the late afternoon for at least the next two years.

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After the announcement on their Facebook handle that the Winter Derby would take place at Lingfield, and the general public would not get the entry ticket due to the Southwell’s fixtures, fans stormed the comment section.

One fan commented ‘’Ridiculous. Move the Winter Derby to Lingfield. The Covid sick joke of football in empty stadia completely turned many off the game. I should know, I’m one of them. Any road – why safe for horses and handlers, but not Joe Public? Racing continues to write its lengthy suicide note…’’

Yet another fan showed their rage and penned ‘’Transfer the meetings…. We don’t need a precedent of racing behind closed doors…. Racecourses should be challenged to provide a better and more engaging spectator experience, not be allowed to cut away at the already, mainly poor experience.’’Another one expressed his vexation and stated ‘’Funnily enough they save a tonne of money by racing behind closed doors – no gate staff, security, bar or restaurant staff to pay!’’

Southwell’s executive director Mark Clayton commented regarding the situation: “We have a plan and we’ll have a staged process for the refurbishment and hopefully we’ll have crowds back as soon as possible, but we don’t feel that’ll happen before our first meeting in March.”

Since the fans would not get to watch the races in person occupying the stadiums, their disappointment is starkly evident.

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