English racetracks will run without fans under new restrictions

English racetracks will return to running without spectators after the government announced that the country will be returning to tier 3 and 4 restrictions Wednesday.

In the heaviest areas, which will be under tier 4, not even owners will be allowed at the tracks. England has recently seen a new, more contagious strain of COVID circulating.

“The majority of the cases identified in London, the South East and the East of England are of the new variant,” a release on the English government’s website reads. “Infection rates have increased faster than expected in these areas where the new strain has been circulating and stronger measures are required to get the virus under control.”

The tier 4 restrictions listed on the website ban any social meetings in “most outdoor public venues.” The British Horseracing Authority announced the owner restriction on its website.

"In general only individuals essential to staging the fixture should attend meetings in tier 4," the release reads. "To further reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, it has also been agreed that no owners living in tier 4 will be permitted to attend race-meetings in tiers 1-3."

Tier 3, which is slightly less restrictive, allows for some outdoor social gatherings, in groups of up to six people. 

Cheltenham had a planned slate of racing for Jan. 1, which was called off due to heavy rain waterlogging the course. When racing resumes, it will be under tier 4 restrictions and will operate with zero spectators according to its website.

Warwick and Exeter also announced Wednesday that they will not be hosting fans due to being under tier 3 restrictions.