Punters' return to Fontwell hailed a success

It’s been a long wait – but horse racing fans are finally back at Fontwell.
The crowds are back and the sun is out at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, GettyThe crowds are back and the sun is out at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, Getty
The crowds are back and the sun is out at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, Getty

The racecourse was able to admit spectators for the first time since March after government restrictions on people attending sporting events were eased.

Punters enjoyed an absorbing seven-race card on a sunny but chilly Tuesday afternoon.

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And in one way it was like nothing had changed ... for they witnessed a treble for Sussex trainer and Fontwell’s most consistent handler, Gary Moore.

Jamie Moore and Nassalam won the opener at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, GettyJamie Moore and Nassalam won the opener at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, Getty
Jamie Moore and Nassalam won the opener at Fontwell / Picture by Alan Crowhurst, Getty

Mark Spincer, managing director of ARC’s racing division said, “We were really pleased to be able to welcome spectators back to Fontwell Park for the meeting.

“Overall, everything ran well and we are very grateful to our customers for following all of the various procedures that we have had to put in place and for being generally so supportive of the racecourse.

“No doubt there’ll be a few tweaks to make ahead of upcoming meetings, but overall the meeting went well and it is great to be back.”

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Fontwell’s traditional Boxing Day meeting has been switched to Monday, December 28, and that is the venue’s next meeting. A crowd of 2,000 will be permitted as long as lockdown restrictions don’t tighten before then.

On the track, Moore saw Nassalam, Bridle Loanan and Call Off The Dogs win, while champion jockey Richard Johnson and trainer Philip Hobbs enjoyed a double with wins for Earth Moore and Little River Bay.

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