Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, abruptly cancelled Sunday's live racing program after the day's first race. An announcement on Twitter gave no indication when racing would resume.
“Due to an abundance of caution, all racing operations at Lone Star Park have been suspended due to COVID-19,” the statement said. “Racing will resume at a date to be determined.”
Officials at Lone Star Park could not be reached for further comment.
Multiple sources told the Paulick Report a positive test for COVID-19 has emerged involving an individual employed at the track who has regular contact with jockeys or their valets. An out-of-town rider who recently rode at Lone Star may also have tested positive after returning to his home track from Lone Star, a source said.
Track officials were said to be consulting with infectious disease specialists brought in by Global Gaming, the entity that owns Lone Star Park and Remington Park in Oklahoma.
Lone Star races on a Sunday through Wednesday schedule. Sources said it is doubtful the July 6 live racing program will be conducted. Entries have been taken for racing through next Sunday, July 12, and horsemen have been told to prepare to enter on Monday morning for the following Monday's racing on July 13.
When jockeys were notified of the cancellation of Sunday's program, they were advised not to exit through the track's grandstand, where simulcast wagering continued. They were not given instructions to self-quarantine.
Lone Star was forced to delay the start of its live meet until May 22. On June 10, Lone Star management was notified by officials that spectators would be permitted on-track as Texas became one of the first states to reopen its economy.
After an alarming spike in COVID-19 positive tests throughout Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott on July 2 issued an order requiring face coverings in public and giving local officials authority to limit the size of gatherings.
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