Ladies’ Day is shelved by Kelso racecourse chiefs

Track bosses had declared back in April that October 4 would be Ladies’ Day, in the hope that social distancing regulations might have loosened sufficiently by then – and in a bid to lift spirits by giving racing fans and visitors alike something to look forward to.

However, course chiefs announced last week that the event – already deferred from May 24 – would have to be cancelled until next year.

Management posted on the course’s Facebook page that the “very sad and tough decision” had been taken to cancel this year’s spectacle.

The main reason was the lack of certainty regarding protocols required for permitting crowds at sporting events.

“Unfortunately, attendance is likely to be dependent on social distancing measures which are certain to restrict our capacity,” said the statement.

“We don’t believe this would enable us to deliver the full Ladies’ Day experience that we wish for you and that our customers have come to expect.”

The bosses confirmed, however, that plans were already under way for Ladies’ Day 2021, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 30.

Customers who had already made bookings for Ladies’ Day were being contacted, while people would be kept informed when tickets went on sale, via email, if they had subscribed, and through the arena’s social media pages.

The statement concluded: “In the meantime, thank you for all your support and we look forward to welcoming you back to Kelso when we can and when it is safe to do so.”

When the May date was originally announced, managing director Jonathan Garratt said Kelso hoped to be able to help the community, and its local colleagues in the industry, cope with the COVID crisis and its effects on the economy.