Doncaster Council reminds pubs to follow coronavirus rules on St Leger Saturday

The town’s hospitality venues are expected to be far less busier than had been expected after the last three days of the meeting were ordered to take place behind closed doors, including the running of the world’s oldest classic at Town Moor this afternoon.

But council bosses say there could still be an increased number of people in town tonight and have urged venues to make sure they comply with Covid-19 rules – or risk fines and enforcement action.

Drinkers are also being urged to make sure they continue to follow coronavirus guidance, following an increase in the infection rates in Doncaster.

It was a rise in the figures, coupled with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to make gatherings of more than six people illegal earlier this week, that saw the plug pulled on the St Leger going ahead with spectators.

Doncaster’s Director of Public Health, Dr Rupert Suckling ordered the four day meeting, which started on Wednesday, to take place behind closed doors over fears of a second spike.

A limited number of fans were due to be allowed in each day as part of the Government’s project to allow spectactors to return to sport.

6,000 fans had been scheduled to attend today’s meeting and it is thought hundreds may flock to the Straight Mile to catch a glimpse of the action.

A Doncaster Council spokesman said: “If you are planning on going out this weekend, please enjoy sensibly, stick to the measures in place and keep everyone in Doncaster as safe as possible.”