Cheltenham Racecourse has been granted a landmark ruling by the High Court to ban ticket touts from the facility.

The injunction is active with immediate effect and will be in place until June 2019, covering the whole season.

In a statement, regional director of Cheltenham and south west region of the Jockey Club, Ian Renton, commented: “We welcome the judgement of Mr Justice Nugee at the High Court today, when an injunction was granted against ticket touting at Cheltenham racecourse.

“This prohibits the selling and buying of tickets by touts on racecourse property, and we welcome this landmark decision.

“It is the first time any such injunction has been granted to prevent touting at a racecourse. It will take effect from the Showcase meeting this weekend and will remain in place for the whole season.

“We are grateful for the full support of Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire Police in seeking this injunction.

“This is the next step in seeking to reduce, and where possible eliminate, the unpleasant and often criminal activities of touts that undermine the enjoyment of our racegoers.”