Health and safety concerns have caused the management of Newcastle racecourse to issue a ban on picnics at all fixtures except for the Blaydon Races.
The course's executive director David Williamson explained:
"The decision has been made purely for the comfort and safety of all racegoers. The amount of people bringing in chairs, rugs, picnic boxes etc. caused space to be limited for the number of people attending the race days due to picnickers spreading out."
"The added furniture was a potential trip hazard and a few people reported to first aid because of this. People are under no obligation whatsoever to purchase food while in the racecourse grounds."
"For those who wish to have a picnic before coming into the racecourse, we will have a designated area within the estate where picnics can be had if they so wish."
