Ellis Park Racing & Gaming has increased track and racing protocols in compliance with Governor Andy Beshear's order requiring facial coverings to be worn at all times in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Ellis Park has been requiring masks for all patrons since July 6–three days earlier than the official government mandate. All employees and backside personnel have been required to wear masks since the June 8 reopening of the racing and gaming operation.
“Governor Beshear's actions will make it easier for us to keep our guests, our team, and the entire community safer,” general manager Jeffrey Inman said. “It is important to remember that confirmed cases are spiking elsewhere in the United States, so we applaud Governor Beshear's decision to further protect our residents and we are making considerable efforts to provide a safer environment for our guests.”
Backside, trackside and racing protocols have also been increased. All backside entrants, including jockeys, who do not transfer to Ellis Park directly from another Kentucky track will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before being admitted to Ellis Park.
“With the uptick in active cases, and the highly mobile nature of the jockey community, we felt it was better to require a negative test before allowing them on the premises,” Inman said. “In addition, we now have access to tests with same-day results.”
The 98th season at Ellis Park, the Runhappy Summer Meeting, runs July 17 through Aug. 30.
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