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Decreases to Indiana 2020 Breeding Program Approved

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approved cuts to the state’s Thoroughbred breeding program during a virtual meeting last week. With casino closures and the potential for reduced revenues once reopened, funding available for the state’s breeding program decreased significantly. The new projected revenue is estimated to be around $8.2 million, according to a release from the racing commission.

Purses for Indiana-bred stakes have been reduced across the board, with the six Indiana Signature Stakes, typically worth $150,000, reduced to $100,000, and the other 22 restricted Indiana-bred and Indiana-sired stakes to be contested at $75,000. In total, the restricted stakes will pay more than $2 million in 2020.

In addition, the Indiana Breeders Awards percentage will remain at 2019 levels.

“Going into this year’s racing program, we were excited to offer a program with many enhancements; however, due to the unique situation we are now in, many of those elements had to be put on hold until the 2021 program,” said Jessica Barnes, Director of Racing and Breed Development for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. “I’m thankful the tracks, horsemen’s groups and commission were able to all come together to offer the best program we could during these unprecedented times.”

Barnes continued, “If we get a month or two into the reopening, and projections are better than what we have forecasted, we have the flexibility to go back to the commission with a revised proposal. This is a fluid situation, and our program has the ability to adjust in a manner that will best benefit our breeders, owners and trainers.”

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino was originally scheduled to open Apr. 14, but the track and the backside were closed due to the statewide COVID-19 pandemic quarantine Mar. 16. With approval from the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission recently released a phased approach to begin horse racing in Indiana, with the backside of the tracks now open. The plan calls for racing to commence at the two pari-mutuel tracks the week of June 16 without spectators. If there is no change to Governor Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” plan, spectators will be able to return to the tracks July 4.

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Baffert Tabs Authentic For July 18 Haskell; Mike Smith To Ride

Following the first loss of his career in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, Authentic will be pointed to the Grade 1 Haskell on July 18 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., reports the Daily Racing Form.

The 3-year-old son of Into Mischief breezed a half-mile on Monday at Santa Anita, covering the distance in 48 4/5 seconds. It was his first work since finishing second to Honor A.P. on June 6.

Trainer Bob Baffert was encouraged by the workout, and has sent out the winner of the Haskell a record eight times over the course of his career. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will have the riding assignment.

Earlier this year, the colt won the G3 Sham Stakes and the G2 San Felipe while beginning his career with three straight victories.

Prize Money Restored for Irish EBF Auction and Median Series Races

Prize money levels have been restored to their pre-COVID-19 levels for each race in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Series and the new Irish EBF Median Sires Series, the Irish European Breeders’ Fund announced on Monday. Each race series had its prize money cut per race by €1,000 as a result of the coronavirus, but the Irish EBF stepped in to return prize money levels to pre-COVID. There are 10 Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction races and 11 Irish EBF Median Sires races to the beginning of August, with the first Irish EBF Median Sires race-now worth €25,000–beginning at Fairyhouse on Monday. Roscommon hosts the first Foran Equine Irish EBF auction maiden on June 22, with prize money of €20,000 on offer, while Navan hosts two more races in the series, each worth €24,000 on June 23.

“At this crucial time for the industry it is important to look after both of these vital race series and continue to offer connections of EBF eligible 2-year-olds valuable race opportunities,” said Irish EBF Chairman John O’Connor. “We commend Horse Racing Ireland on successfully scheduling twenty one races from both series over June and July and we look forward to seeing connections reap the many benefits on offer.”

For more information on the Irish EBF Median Sires series, the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Series and for the race schedule, please visit www.hri-ras.ie/race-planning/qualifications/.

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Charles Town To Reopen For Fans, Simulcasting Operations On June 22

Following a previous order by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice that would allow patrons at live sporting events effective June 22, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is pleased to announce the reopening of the first floor of its grandstand for live racing and simulcasting operations beginning on Monday, June 22 at 12:00 P.M EST.

Closed to racing spectators since March, Charles Town will be reopening not only its first floor to the public for wagering on live racing and simulcast signals from around the country but will also reopen its trackside apron for its live racing programs.

In working with state and local leaders, the track has developed a series of protocols designed to welcome back both guests and team members in a safe environment. These new protocols include, but are not limited to, the following:

Social Distancing

The installation of floor decals and signage to strictly enforce social distancing guidelines in areas where lines typically form.
Mutuel windows and self-service terminals will be configured to meet social distancing requirements.
The only food service to be offered at the outset will be limited to prepared food from our food court.
The box seat area and second floor of the grandstand will remain closed
Capacity restrictions for the Charles Town property will be in effect

Health & Safety

Team members, vendors and racing participants will be required to wear masks and will undergo a health screening each day, including temperature checks, prior to their shift.
Guests will be encouraged to wear masks and must respond to a verbal health screening prior to entry to the property.
There will initially be one entry for the general public to the property.
Mutuel windows and self-service terminals will be thoroughly and regularly cleaned.
Sanitizer stations will be installed on the floor and be readily available throughout the facility.
We will deploy a fog machine to disinfect and sanitize every night.

Live racing will continue to be held at Charles Town on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a first race post time of 7:00 P.M. EST. Full-day simulcasting from tracks around the country will take place from Thursday through Sunday, with opening and closing times on the other days dictated by the number of tracks in operation.

In order to accommodate patrons looking to wager on this Saturday's Belmont Stakes, Charles Town intends on opening a pair of self-service mutuel terminals located near the Sportsbook on the gaming side of the facility for the day's events.

The post Charles Town To Reopen For Fans, Simulcasting Operations On June 22 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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