While the Cheltenham festival is long odds-on to go ahead, organisers have warned anyone showing symptoms of illness to stay away from Prestbury Park.
The market has traded over €2million so far on the betting exchanges and every news bulletin seems to have a ripple effect with the prices oscillating over the last few weeks.
6️⃣ days to go #CheltenhamFestival #IllBeThere pic.twitter.com/EENGTRt5zn
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 4, 2020
Cheltenham racecourse today warned those showing any signs of illness to stay away from the festival, as the spread of the virus wreaks havoc on the sporting calendar.
Notice
The notice form the track management read: "Do not travel to the Cheltenham Festival if you have symptoms of a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath AND if you have been or transited through high-risk countries, or been in contact with anyone that has, in last 14 days.
"To protect yourself & others please do not travel & call HSE 112 or 999 for expert advice. These measures are in order to safeguard everyone's health & wellbeing during the current public health situation."
The meeting looks set to go ahead as scheduled with the jockey Club saying they would continue to liaise with government officials.
“The industry’s steering group, which is comprised of the Racecourse Association (RCA), British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and horsemen, will continue to liaise with Government and monitor the implications of coronavirus.
"Further information or guidance will be issued to the industry as and when appropriate.”
The meeting has been lost to an outbreak before, in 2001 the foot and mouth outbreak caused the festival to be cancelled. According to the exchange markets, that won't happen again but it wouldn't be the first time a festival favourite was beaten at a short price.
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