The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has announced that, though racing will continue to take place at its tracks, spectators will not be allowed access to racecourses from Saturday. Feb. 29 until further notice in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
As of Thursday morning, there had been seven deaths from COVID-19 in Japan. The JRA's decision follows news on Wednesday that racing in Korea has been suspended from Feb. 28 to Mar. 9.
A statement on the JRA website reads, “In measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Japan Racing Association has announced that the public will not be permitted to enter JRA racecourses from Saturday, Feb. 29 until further notice. JRA races will be held without any spectators.
“In addition, there will be no sale of betting tickets and payout for winning tickets on racedays or payout on weekdays at all JRA racecourses and off-track betting facilities, including WINS, Park WINS and J-PLACE until further notice. During this time, the sale of betting tickets and payout for winning tickets will be held only via telephone or online betting.”
The statement also included this message from JRA President and CEO Masayuki Goto, “This is a great inconvenience to all our racing fans who look forward to the JRA races on weekends. I humbly ask for your kind understanding and cooperation.”
Racing is set to take place at three JRA racecourses over the weekend, with the G2 Nakayama Kinen and G3 Hankyu Kinen taking place on Sunday. The formal Japanese Classic trials begin the following weekend.
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