King George VI Chase at Kempton will be held behind closed doors after Surrey moved into tier three

Kempton’s Boxing Day highlight featuring the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase is set be run without spectators after Surrey was one of several areas to be placed under tighter coronavirus restrictions.

There was also bad news for anyone hoping to go racing at the likes of Sandown and Newbury over the Christmas period, with both racecourses moving into Tier 3 zones from this Saturday at 00:01. 

Ascot’s meeting on Saturday will also move behind closed doors, with Berkshire also among the regions moved into the highest tier of restrictions by secretary of state for health and social care Matt Hancock.

More to follow…  

Racing action at Kempton on Boxing Day will now be held without any spectators present