Cheltenham Festival will go ahead without crowds at the Racecourse next month due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

The four-day festival, which is believed to bring in more than £100million into the Gloucestershire economy each year, has been criticised for going ahead with crowds last year in the early days of the pandemic.

A statement on the festival website confirmed it would go ahead without spectators this year.

It said: "Based on current government restrictions, professional sport is able to continue under stringent health and safety protocols, without spectators present.

"In horse racing's case this is vital to support the livelihoods of the many thousands of people who rely on the industry and for the welfare of the thousands of thoroughbred racehorses who live and train in Britain."

It continued: "This means that under current restrictions, will take place as a televised event, but sadly without spectators at the course.

"We continue to monitor Government guidance and should this change in advance of we will act accordingly."

This year's event runs from March 16-19. The Festival Trials Day, which was due to take place last Saturday, was cancelled due to a waterlogged course.