Popular Boxing Day racing is rescheduled

Market Rasen’s popular Boxing Day Racing has been rescheduled this year.
MARKET RASEN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Zakety Zak ridden by Sean Quinlan (centre) clears a fence during the Watch & Bet At MansionBet Handicap Chase at Market Rasen Racecourse on December 3, 2020 in Market Rasen, England. (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images) 775593760MARKET RASEN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Zakety Zak ridden by Sean Quinlan (centre) clears a fence during the Watch & Bet At MansionBet Handicap Chase at Market Rasen Racecourse on December 3, 2020 in Market Rasen, England. (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images) 775593760
MARKET RASEN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Zakety Zak ridden by Sean Quinlan (centre) clears a fence during the Watch & Bet At MansionBet Handicap Chase at Market Rasen Racecourse on December 3, 2020 in Market Rasen, England. (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images) 775593760

The annual event has been taking place the day after Christmas since 1946.

However, this year’s racing will now go ahead on Wednesday, December 30, although it is expected to return to its normal date in 2021.

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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the British Horseracing Authority have announced changes to the racing fixture list over the festive period, which includes the date switch at Market Rasen.

Last week health secretary Matt Hancock announced that Lincolnshire would remain in tier three for the next two weeks, at least.

This means that spectators remain unable to visit Market Rasen Racecourse, as well as a number of other sporting events.

Tier three status - very high alert - will mean a continuation of the regulations that have goverened sport in the area since lockdown ended on December 2.

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The public can take part in organised sport and physical activity outdoors with any number of people.

However, they should avoid contact in training and, for some sports, avoid contact in all activities.

Recreational team sport can continue outside, although some leagues such as the Balcvan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League have been postponed until the new year.

Rugby clubs are now allowed to stage friendlies from last Friday.

Senior grassroots teams, however, are not allowed to cross county borders or tiers to compete.

Gyms and sports facilities are still open for individuals, single households or support bubbles only.