Coronavirus: Ladies Day fixture cancelled at Southwell Racecourse

The annual Advertiser Ladies Day fixture, which attracts thousands of visitors, has been cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The event was due to take place at Southwell Racecourse on Sunday, August 16. It will now return in 2021.

At present, all horseracing is suspended across the country because of the virus.

As a result, the racecourse has taken the decision to cancel Ladies Day because it is likely that racing, when it does return, will be behind closed doors.

Racecourse chief executive Mark Clayton said: "It is with regret I have to inform you, that due to the on-going horrible CoVid-19 pandemic, Advertiser Ladies Day 2020 is cancelled.

"Our racing authority has cancelled previously published fixtures and published a revised list, in which we have additional fixtures, but not Sunday, August 16.

"It also seems very likely racing in this summer will be behind closed doors."

The Advertiser Ladies Day is the most popular date on Southwell Racecourse's calendar. Last year, more than 8,000 people attended.

Race-goers are encouraged to dress to impress while enjoying the racing.

Mr Clayton stressed that the event will return in 2021.

Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.