July, 2020 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Louisiana Downs Announces Updated COVID-19 Protocols for Riders

Officials at Harrahs Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, Louisiana, have released updated protocols as it regards its jockey leaving and returning to the track.

The track has announced that any rider accepting a mount at another track will be asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days and will be required to submit a negative test for COVID-19 before being allowed to return. Inbound jockeys who have ridden at other facilities will be asked to do the same. The policy will be in effect until further notice.

“After careful consideration, we felt it was necessary to implement these restrictions at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “The health and safety of everyone involved must be protected; we join other racetracks in North America by enacting these measures.”

Live racing at Louisiana Downs, which began June 6, continues Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 23.

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Louisiana Downs Announces Updated Jockeys’ COVID-19 Protocols

Harrah's Louisiana Downs announced an updated policy, effective Wednesday, July 15, regarding riders leaving and entering the racetrack.

The following restrictions have been implemented. If a rider accepts a mount at another racetrack, he or she must quarantine for a 14-day period and submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to Harrah's Louisiana Downs. Jockeys who have ridden at other racetracks must self-quarantine for 14-days and present a negative COVID-19 test before gaining access to Harrah's Louisiana Downs. This policy will be in effect until further notice.

“After careful consideration, we felt it was necessary to implement these restrictions at Harrah's Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “The health and safety of everyone involved must be protected; we join other racetracks in North America by enacting these measures.”

Harrah's Louisiana Downs has continued to follow the policy set by Governor John Bel Edwards and protocols regarding COVID-19 on the OpenSafely.la.gov website. Prior to the opening of the meet, the jocks room was expanded to ensure proper social distancing. Additionally, patrons are required to enter via a specially marked designated entrance and temperature checks are conducted. Face masks are required and no more than three people are permitted in the saddling paddock.

The 64-day Harrah's Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet began on Saturday June 6. Live racing continues Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23.

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‘Beat Byk Challenge’ Returns With NHC Spot on the Line

Steve Byk, whose Sirius XM radio magazine ‘At the Races With Steve Byk‘ airs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET daily, is once again teaming with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) for the ‘Beat Byk NHC Challenge,’ offering a seat at the 2021 National Horseplayers’ Championship.

Running from July 18 through Sept. 6, Byk will select one horse in one stakes race each Saturday and Sunday and players can bet with or against the host. Any player who correctly selects the winning horse in each round advances to a Sept. 12 NHC online qualifier limited to participants from the weekly promotions. Participants may qualify just once for the September qualifier, the winner of which will represent ‘At the Races’ at the NHC.

Points will be calculated for alternate prizes in the “Beat Byk” Challenge. Participants will receive 100 points if they beat Byk and 50 points if they bet with Byk to win the featured race. The top 5 point leaders will receive HorsePlayers.com credits as prizes (first place–$500 HP credit, second place–200 HP credit, third place–$200 HP credit, fourth place–$200 HP credit, fifth place–$200 HP credit).

NHC Tour membership is required to compete in the September online qualifier. In addition, any participant who “Beats Byk” in any of the weekly contests and is not already a Tour member will be able to join the NHC Tour for a special offer of only $4.99 for the remainder of the 2020 NHC Tour. Those who “Bet with Byk” and win a spot in the NHC online qualifier by picking the winner will be required to join the Tour ($50 annual membership good through January 31, 2021) to be eligible to win the NHC spot.

Participants in the September qualifier must be NHC Tour members in order to be eligible to win the NHC berth. A secondary prize of $250 cash will be available to the overall winner if he or she is not an NHC Tour member.

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Los Al Quarter Horse Association Submits Equine And Rider Safety And Enhancement Plan To CHRB

In response to the suggestion of the California Horse Racing Board (the “Board”), the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association has submitted to the Board an Equine and Rider Safety and Enhancement Plan.

The Plan provides for enhancement of practices in six specific areas:

Training
Pre-race Procedures
Entry Review Panel
Post-incident Assessments
Equine Illness and Recovery
Rules and Conditions.

Los Alamitos is soliciting comments from the Industry in general and particularly from the Board regarding content of the Plan.

Dr. Ed Allred, the owner and CEO of Los Alamitos Race Course, said that the plan is a further effort by Los Alamitos to provide for the enhanced improvement of the health and safety of each every horse and rider participating in racing and training at Los Alamitos.

Allred further stated that notwithstanding his hope that the Plan would be further improved through comments from the Industry and the Board, the changes contemplated by the Plan would be implemented immediately. For more information, please contact 714-820-2690.

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