no spectators

The New York Racing Association issued a statement Wednesday regarding it ongoing efforts to welcome fans back for the upcoming Belmont Park and Saratoga Racecourse meets. Horse and auto racing were omitted from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's guidance last week relating to reopening sporting events to the public in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. "Governor Cuomo's decision to expand capacity limits for sports fans beginning this April is incredibly positive news as we look toward the spring and summer," said NYRA's Pat McKEnna. "NYRA will work closely with...

Ascot will not host spectators at the upcoming December Racing Meeting, held Dec. 18-19, as a result of the local authority in which Ascot is situated--the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead--moving into Tier Three of COVID-19 restrictions, beginning midnight on Friday, Dec. 18. Additionally, Ascot has decided to exclude the public for the Dec. 18 card after consulting with Public Health England and its Safety Advisory Group. Cases in the south of England have risen over 40% in the last week and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead...

The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club announced that Oct. 3 GI Preakness S. at Pimlico will proceed without fans in attendance. The 145th Preakness will air live on NBC from 4:30-6:00 p.m. ET. The Preakness, like the other two Triple Crown races, are a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' events for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November. "The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club have been working closely in consultation with local and state health and governmental authorities for the past several months to thoughtfully...

Kentucky Downs will conduct racing without spectators at the track's upcoming meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ticket purchases through Kentucky Downs on-line box office will be refunded. "With the surge in cases in Kentucky and Tennessee, we feel it's in our guests' best interest and the state's best interest to not have spectators," said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' Senior Vice President and General Manager. "No one is more disappointed than us to have to make this difficult call. We know our unique meet, with its full fields and country-fair...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--Just like always, the bell in the winner's circle was rung 17 minutes before every race at the Spa Thursday afternoon. Of course. Exactly 17 minutes. Even on the most unusual of opening days at Saratoga Race Course, tradition was served. It is Saratoga after all. Phil Linguiti did the honors, yanking the strap that moved the clapper to produce the sound. Linguiti, a former jockey and longtime white cap in the clubhouse, is a familiar figure at Saratoga. Since this 152nd season is racing in Saratoga Springs...