The Royal Ascot is one of the most awaited British social events this June. However, Queen Elizabeth II's most favorite event of the year is now canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. But, there is still hope as the horse race may still push through just without the audience.
Her Majesty is known for always attending the Royal Ascot. She arrives in a carriage procession, seated alongside her friends, family, and other special guests. Sadly, the event won't go on as planned this year, according to Town & Country.
In an official statement, Ascot Racecourse's Chief Executive Guy Henderson revealed that Royal Ascot, which was supposed to take place from June 16 to June 20, would not be open to the public. That is if the race would even run at all. "The decision is the result of health and safety measures in effect due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," he explained.
Henderson knew that it would be a great disappointment for everyone who wanted to attend the event. However, it is the government's advice to practice social distancing and avoid big gatherings.
The coronavirus outbreak has struck the United Kingdom with 60,733 confirmed cases as of Thursday, April 9. Sadly, about 7,097, reportedly, died.
People reported that although Royal Ascot might not be open to the public as it usually would, the race might take place without an audience to follow the government and public health policy. People at home might still have the chance to watch it on TV.
"It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors, dependent on Government and public health policy and the approval of the BHA for us to re-start racing," Henderson added. If the event gets televised, it is said to be for the benefit of the industry, its partners, suppliers, and television audiences at home and internationally.
They are now planning for this move and focusing on the possibility of doing so, promising to give an update on the progress as soon as they can. For fans that already purchased tickets for the Royal Ascot, Henderson assured that they would be fully refunded.
He then thanked everyone for their patience and understanding in completing this "substantial task" due to the challenging circumstances of the current national lockdown. Sure, the coronavirus outbreak would have a tremendous financial impact on their business and so many others this 2020. Still, he believed the Ascot racecourse would come through this crisis and would once again welcome racegoers back to the track when it is already safe to do so.
