With escalating fears over the spread of the coronavirus, racing will continue, but without the public at racetracks across the globe. The upcoming Dubai World Cup card Mar. 28 at Meydan will go ahead without spectators and, and effective immediately, Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Aqueduct, Turfway and Laurel Park will continue to race, but all will be closed to the public.
“We heard Gov. Newsom's call and we are responding accordingly for the protection of our customers and employees,” said Aidan Butler, Acting Executive Director, California Operations, The Stronach Group. “Much like other sports which have chosen to play without spectators, we will race with the personnel necessary to ensure the safety of the horses and the integrity of the sport. It is in everyone's best interest to take these steps and we appreciate everyone's understanding of this unique situation.”
In addition, Santa Anita and Golden Gate are closed for simulcast wagering and morning workouts, including Santa Anita's Clocker's Corner and tram tours.
The announcement that Aqueduct would hold races without fans in attendance followed a call by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ban gatherings of 500 or more people.
“We believe that the most prudent decision to protect the health and well-being of all involved in our sport is to conduct upcoming race dates without attendees,” said NYRA CEO and President Dave O'Rourke. “NYRA will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation and make further adjustments as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the New York State Gaming Commission.”
In other racing fallout from the virus, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. has cancelled the organization's New York-Bred Divisional Champions Awards Banquet due to concerns about the pandemic. The event was originally scheduled to take place Apr. 6 at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, NY.
NYTB will publicly announce the 2019 Horse of the Year, divisional winners and human honorees Apr. 6 as planned. The program and video presentation for the event are currently in production. After Apr. 6, the NYTB will mail the commemorative program to all of its members and release the video presentation on its website and social media channels.
In addition, the Association of Racing Commissioners International announced that its 2020 Annual Racing Integrity and Equine Welfare Conference, scheduled for Apr. 7-10 in New Orleans, LA, is being cancelled as a result of the public health concerns associated with the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
Freehold Raceway, a harness racing track in New Jersey, has suspended racing through at least Mar. 21 after the track was advised that an individual who was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 was in attendance at the track Mar. 7. The individual has not tested positive for the illness but continues to be monitored. Freehold's decision comes two days after Yonkers Raceway canceled racing in response to the death of Standardbred Owners of New York Director John Brennan due to coronavirus.
In a statement, Freehold said, “In the interest and health of our guests, horsemen/horsewomen and employees, we have made the decision to close all operations at Freehold Raceway until all areas of our racing and grandstand buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Live racing scheduled for Mar. 13-14 and Mar. 20-21 will be canceled and no simulcasting will be conducted. All employees, and any other individuals who were in the Freehold racing areas Mar. 7 are being requested to self-quarantine. Freehold Raceway has been in communication with local health officials regarding this situation and will continue to communicate updates as needed.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
