Boxing Day fixture at Market Rasen Racecourse rescheduled

The rescheduling follows discussions between racecourse groups including Jockey Club Racecourses, Market Rasen, the Horsemen’s Group and the British Horseracing Authority as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be managed.

Boxing Day is traditionally one of the busiest days of racing in Britain, with racegoers travelling to courses up and down the country. However, with the sport continuing behind closed doors for the foreseeable future, fixtures over the festive period are being rescheduled.

Switching Market Rasen’s fixture from Boxing Day is expected to generate more betting-related revenue for the industry, while also saving costs associated with staging what is ordinarily a significant event in the local and racing calendars.

As well as Market Rasen, the Boxing Day fixture at fellow Jockey Club Racecourses venue Huntingdon, as well as those at Sedgefield and Fontwell, have been moved to different dates.

Nadia Powell, General Manager of Market Rasen Racecourse, said: “We know how important the Boxing Day fixture at Market Rasen is to our local community and the many racegoers who, like us, look forward to it each year.

“Sadly the ongoing Government restrictions mean we’re unable to welcome spectators to the racecourse for the foreseeable future and, with that in mind, it’s in the best interests of racing that our December 26th meeting is rescheduled.

“I look forward to welcoming racegoers back to Market Rasen as soon as it’s safe and appropriate to do so. It really isn’t the same without them.”

Anyone with tickets or hospitality for this year’s Boxing Day fixture will be contacted by the racecourse via email.