fans

Spectators will be allowed to return to sporting events in Tiers 1 and 2 in England as the COVID-19 cases in those areas decreases. Racing ceased in mid-March as the coronavirus pandemic began, and resumed behind closed doors on June 1. There were two small pilot events held at Doncaster and Warwick, but racing continued fanless under the new autumn lockdown imposed last month. A joint statement from the British Horseracing Authority, The Horsemen's Group and the Racecourse Association read: "The leaders of British horseracing have welcomed the government's decision...

Tampa Bay Downs, which has allowed on-track simulcast wagering since July 2 and Silks Poker Room play since mid-June, has formulated plans to permit spectators for its 2020-2021 Thoroughbred meeting, beginning opening day Nov. 25. For the foreseeable future, fans will be required to wear masks both inside and outside the facility, unless they are eating or drinking. Temperatures will be taken of each person entering the building. Various measures have been established to ensure social distancing, including: the creation of more outdoor, private spaces for small groups; a limited...

The Breeders' Cup launches the $10K Derby Spin to Win, a new fan contest. Now live via BreedersCup.com/derby, the digital campaign grants fans the chance to win $10,000. Open now until 7:00 p.m. Sept. 5, the contest invites fans to spin a digital wheel that assigns them a horse running in the Kentucky Derby. After the drawing, fans are encouraged to watch the race on NBC this Saturday to see if their assigned horse is the winner. Entrants whose horse wins will then be entered into a pool from which...

"And they're off at Saratoga!" Five words that hundreds, if not thousands, of people live to hear every July as the ceremonial phrase marks the beginning of another historic Saratoga Race Meet. While most normal attendees were unable hear those Tom Durkin-inspired words in person this year, some did their best to make the most of the situation. The enthusiasm from Mark Struffolino might be the example racing fans can look to emulate. Born and raised in upstate New York, the Rotterdam resident grew up spending summers at the Spa,...