Fact Check: Did Newbury Close Vaccine Hub to Run Races?

On Tuesday, BBC South News was one of several media outlets to report that Newbury Racecourse had temporarily shut as a COVID-19 vaccination hub "to allow horseracing to go ahead," prompting hundreds of social media users to criticize the track for not prioritizing the vaccination program.

Given racing's widespread efforts to assist the vaccine rollout—several racecourses are being used as hubs for its delivery—the backlash has frustrated many in the sport, but is the criticism warranted? The Racing Post looked at the facts.

Did the hub shut because of racing?

Racing cannot go ahead while the vaccine center is in operation, but the hub is not providing jobs seven days a week, so the National Health Service and track have worked around the two fixtures Newbury hosts over the next 42 days. 

Can vaccinations take place while racing is on?

Not at the moment, but that could soon change. Initially it was made clear that under the British Horseracing Authority and government guidance for elite sport, the vaccination center could not operate on live race days with Newbury's current layout.

However, following a successful first week for the vaccination center and positive feedback from patients, there is now an established operation model that the NHS wish to use moving forward.

Newbury Racecourse has said it will talk to the BHA to see if "an exception can be made to the regulations for future race days, allowing the vaccination center to operate alongside racing if required."

The BHA has said "it would consider any such proposal from Newbury and work with them on possible arrangements for future race days."

It added: "The BHA supports the idea that the vaccination service is a national priority, and therefore, the aim is to make arrangements which allow racing events to take place alongside the vaccination rollout where possible."

Could the hub have been in operation on Wednesday?

Not according to a local GP, who tweeted on Tuesday evening to say the closure would have no impact as "we can't vaccinate if we don't have the vaccine."

They also added "we took the 1,170 we had delivered yesterday and rather than hold clinics today and tomorrow, we did all 1,170 vaccinations today (Tuesday). We get no more vaccine until Thursday."

On which other dates is Newbury due to race in the coming months and will the vaccination center be open on those days?

Newbury's next race day is Betfair Hurdle day on Saturday, Feb. 13, a fixture live on ITV. Four fixtures are due to be held at the Berkshire course in March—March 5, 6, 26, and 27, followed by two dates in April and a further two in May.

Given the information above, it is not yet known whether Newbury Racecourse will operate as a vaccination center on the day of future race meetings. However, Newbury's statement indicates a desire to do so on its part "if required," while the BHA's statement shows it is open to finding a workable arrangement.

What else has Newbury said?

In a statement on Tuesday, the course said: "Newbury Racecourse is extremely proud to play a small part in the fight against COVID-19 capitalizing on the abundance of space we have to offer.

"We have played a role throughout the pandemic as a community hub, acting as a Primary Care Unit during the first lockdown, and operating a Meals on Wheels service to some of the most vulnerable and elderly in the area.

"Together with West Berks NHS, the local GP surgeries, and the host of volunteers, we remain completely committed to supporting the local community and surrounding area during this challenging time."

Is racing supporting the vaccination program in other ways?

Yes, it is. On Sunday, Taunton became the sixth course to be announced as a vaccination center in addition to Epsom, Beverley, Leicester, Newbury, and Newcastle. Leicester has been able to keep its center open while racing as the exhibition center is separate from the main racecourse facility.