Earlier this week, Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton released their joint safety protocols for their upcoming September Sales, which included a credential system for all attendees, including buyers. All consignors and their staffs, vets and their staffs and media are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test 10 days prior to the start of the Sept. 9-10 Fasig-Tipton Sale.
Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton have partnered with a trusted technology provider, Virtual Badge, to serve their digital credential needs for both September sales. Both sales companies will share a common credential, accessible from your mobile device on the Virtual Badge app. In order to request a credential, interested parties must complete the following steps:
- Download the Virtual Badge app on your smartphone in your App Store or Google Play. Create an account within the app, log in and select “Keeneland” or “Fasig-Tipton” under Organization.
- Complete the credential application. Select your role at the sale and complete the questionnaire.
Buyers and their agents should complete the form and submit your request. No other action is needed.
All other sales participants should indicate whether you will be testing at Keeneland/Fasig-Tipton or off site. If testing at Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton, your results will be linked to your Virtual Badge account once a negative test is received. If testing off site, upload a copy of your test result into the app.
- Credential approved. You will receive notification within 48 hours after submitting your request and test results are received. Your approved credential will appear in the Virtual Badge app on your phone, which will be scanned at entry to the sales ground each day.
An approved credential issued by Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton will be valid for both sales, and therefore you will only need to complete this process once. Please apply with the organization that you will first enter within 10 days of your COVID-19 test.
The release also expanded on other sales protocols, such as the policies in the back ring and barn areas.
- Barn Area
– The barn area is open to credentialed participants.
– Participants must wear a face covering and socially distance at all times. Only consignors and their staff will be permitted to enter barns and shedrows.
– Van drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicles, and therefore consignors must meet their horses at the receiving chute to unload.
- Back Holding Ring & Sales Ring
– Capacity in the Back Holding Ring will be reduced to two horses at a time with a maximum of three representatives per horse (one groom, one showperson and one consignor). No one else may enter this area or congregate in the chute area.
– To limit contact, the show person responsible for the horse will also lead the horse while in the Sales Ring.
- Sales Pavilion
– Capacity will be limited in the Sales Arena to 40%. No seating will be permitted on the benches encircling the Sales Arena.
– Bidding locations have been expanded to allow for social distancing. In addition to the Sales Arena and Back Holding Ring, buyers may bid in the Show Ring.
- Sales Offices
– The Sales Counter will operate as normal but we have constructed plexiglass to protect sales participants and staff. Access to this area will be limited based on the number of people in the office at a given time.
– The Sales Accounting Offices will be expanded for increased space and distancing. Signage will be available to point to this area located to the left of the Sales Counter.
The Administrative Offices at Keeneland are closed. All paperwork should be submitted to the Sales Counter or the Stable Office.
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