‘Will cancelling everything solve it? I’m not entirely sure:’ Mike Tindall shares his views on cancelling major UK sporting events as thousands of Cheltenham Festival revellers defied coronavirus fears
- Around 68,000 people packed into Prestbury Park in Gloucestershire today
- Mike Tindall admitted it was a ‘shame’ to see the sporting calendar torn up
- Singer Lily Allen, Victoria Pendleton and Georgia Toffolo were also at the event
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Thousands of Cheltenham Festival revellers defied coronavirus fears yesterday – as other major UK sporting events fell victim to the outbreak and were cancelled.
Around 68,000 people packed into Prestbury Park, Gloucestershire, for the fourth and final day of the racing meet.
Among the spectators was former England rugby star Mike Tindall, who had urged the British public to ‘keep calm and carry on’ as he admitted it was a ‘shame’ to see the sporting calendar torn up.
Zara and Mike Tindall beamed and stood with their arms wrapped around each other as they posed for photos ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup this afternoon
Arriving ahead of the Gold Cup – the festival’s climax – with his wife Zara Phillips, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter, Tindall said: ‘Do I feel that cancelling everything is going to solve it? I’m not entirely sure.’
Singer Lily Allen, cycling-champ-turned-jockey Victoria Pendleton and reality star Georgia Toffolo were also at the event.
They have been married for nine years, but the couple looked as loved-up as ever as they arrived at the festival this morning.
They beamed and stood with their arms wrapped around each other as they posed for photos.
Zara and Mike, both 38, have turned out for every day of the four-day racing event despite ongoing fears about the coronavirus pandemic.
Guiding hand: Mike took his wife’s hand as they arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse today
Arriving ahead of the Gold Cup – the festival’s climax – with his wife Zara Phillips, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter, Tindall said: ‘Do I feel that cancelling everything is going to solve it? I’m not entirely sure.’ Pictured: crowds at the event today
Zara, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter, wrapped up warm in a purple coat by Claire Mischevani, which she wore over a burgundy dress from Rails at Trilogy Stores.
Keeping to a monochrome look, the royal added a hat by Sarah Cant Millinery and heeled pumps by Carvela.
She carried her race day essentials in a pretty metallic clutch by Aspinal, and finished the ensemble with a glittering pair of drop earrings from Laurence Coste.
Meanwhile Mike was dapper in a navy suit, dark charcoal grey coat and a plum-coloured tie to match his wife’s outfit.
The couple have been in high spirits all week as they’ve taken in the action with friends and family.
Zara was sen beaming as she watched a race alongside jockey AP McCoy’s family, and joked around with her close friend Dolly Maude on a girls’ trip to the races.
Zara’s mother Princess Anne is also in attendance today, as is her brother Peter Phillips, who arrived with his estranged wife Autumn.