The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) has implemented a new set of protocols and procedures to ensure human safety at its seaside Thoroughbred headquarters in advance of its 81st racing season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the track will race without fans in 2020. Working in conjunction with health and medical experts in the county and state, Del Mar has put together a human safety program which will be in effect at the 340-acre racetrack during the 28-day season, running from July 10 to Sept. 7.
Among the daily measures that will be implemented this summer:
- Admittance to the facility will be strictly limited to essential personnel
- Daily on-site health screening for all personnel, which include temperature checks
- All personnel will be required to wear face coverings
- Some staff–such as jockeys and the starting gate crew– will be required to wear additional personal protective equipment
- Proper social distancing will be required
- Additional handwashing and sanitizer stations throughout the Grandstand and stable area
- Enhanced janitorial services including daily disinfectant of all “common areas”
- No congregation of people will be permitted in the saddling/paddock area
- Saddling/paddock area and starting gate will be disinfected after each race
- On-site medical personnel
- Quarantine area procedures
Additionally, access to the Del Mar stable area will be limited to those licensed individuals who work directly with the horses. Stable area personnel will be subject to the same mask/ wristbands/distance rules all frontside individuals will work under.
For a complete rundown on Del Mar's safety protocols and procedures for the 2020 meeting, click here.
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