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Lone Star Meet Concludes With Solid Handle, Attendance Numbers

Lone Star Park concluded its 25th Thoroughbred Racing season on Sunday, July 11 handling a daily average of $1,693,866 in merged handle (Live on-track plus Export) and a daily average of $1,459,096 specifically in export, over the 48-day meet, which was their most since 2006 in both categories, not including last year's unique pandemic season.

Average daily grandstand attendance on weekends and holidays for the meet was just over 4,000 per day, which, when compared to similar days, was only a four percent decline from 2019.

“The attendance figures were a very positive takeaway for the meet” said Brandon Leigh, Lone Star Park's Director of Marketing & Player Development. “There is lots of momentum to build upon for next year, considering that a majority of our indoor reserved seating areas were limited to just 50 percent capacity this year.”

The on-track fans wagered a daily average of $234,770 in Live Handle, the most since 2018.

Boosted in part by the passage of House Bill 2436 last year, the total amount of purses paid out to horsemen during the 48-day season was $13,692,325, the highest level since 2005.

The highlight of the meet was undoubtedly Lone Star Million Day on Memorial Day, returning after a ten-year hiatus. The on-track fans wagered $904,299 in Live Handle, the most since Memorial Day in 2008. The Export Handle was $5,494,680, setting the all-time record for a single day at Lone Star Park, not including the 2004 Breeders' Cup.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen earned his 14th training title at Lone Star Park. He visited the winners circle 71 times from 344 starts. His earnings total for the season were $1,999,134. As of this writing, Asmussen is 19 wins away from becoming the all-time leading trainer in North America in history.

Jockey Stewart Elliott won his first Lone Star Park riding title. The top rider won 71 races from 317 starts and earned $1,807,735 in purse money.

Karl Broberg's End Zone Athletics' Inc. was tops in the owner category with a total of 40 wins from 184 starts. The stable earnings total was $797,651.

Lone Star Park's 2021 Fall Meeting of Champions begins Friday, September 17 and runs through Saturday, December 18.

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Cuomo: New York Sports Venues Can Reopen Conditionally

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that sports arenas and stadiums with a capacity of better than 10,000 can re-open with limited spectators. The first event open to spectators in the state will be the National Basketball Association contest between the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets at the Barclay Center Feb. 23.

The opening of venues will follow the Buffalo Bills pilot program, deemed an “unparalleled success” by Cuomo, following guidelines including Department of Health approval for venues and events, capacity limitations, testing requirements, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks and assigned, socially distanced seating. There will be a 10% capacity limit in arenas and stadiums.

Officials at the New York Racing Association welcomed the news and will explore their options over the next weeks and months.

“Sports and entertainment venues in New York are responsible for tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact. NYRA applauds Governor Cuomo for taking action today to get New Yorkers back to work and fans back in seats,” said Patrick McKenna, Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations for NYRA.

“NYRA is reviewing the newly announced guidelines to determine how they apply to Aqueduct Racetrack, where the first floor is currently the site of a New York State COVID-19 vaccination center, and to Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

“NYRA has been conducting live racing without spectators in attendance since June 3 and we are eager to welcome racing fans back to our venues at the appropriate time and with the approval of the New York State Gaming Commission.”

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2021 Kentucky Derby: Churchill Hoping For 40-50 Percent Fan Capacity

Churchill Downs is hoping to welcome fans at as high as 50 percent capacity at the 2021 Kentucky Derby, CEO Bill Carstanjen told investors on Thursday's third-quarter earnings call. According to the Courier-Journal, Churchill's regular capacity is 165,000 people, so there could be as many as 82,500 fans at the Run for the Roses.

“We are starting with the assumption that we will limit the number of reserved seats to 40 to 50 percent of capacity, and we will delay selling any general admission tickets … until we are closer to the date of the Derby,” Carstanjen said.

Carstanjen added that he expects the company to retain the first Saturday in May date for the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

Delaware Park Reduces Attendance Capacity To 1,000 Patrons

Effective immediately, Delaware Park will reduce the attendance capacity to 1,000 total patrons, inside and outside. Only 500 patrons will be allowed access to the clubhouse and grandstand area and wristbands for admittance will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. The capacity will be reduced as a measure to better monitor the compliance of the required COVID-19 patron safety protocols.

As compliance improves, the capacity limits may be increased in the clubhouse and grandstand. There are no changes to the Grove and Picnic area.

The patron safety protocols for racing are as follows:

· Initial access to the Clubhouse/Grandstand will be limited to the Paddock entrance;

All patrons will have their temperature taken prior to being granted access to the Clubhouse:
o Temperature will be taken by thermal imaging camera or touchless, handheld thermometer;

· All patrons will be asked two health screening questions if they have any symptoms related to COVID – 19 or if there has been any close contact with a person testing positive for COVID – 19 during the previous 14 day period:

o Guests flagged by temperature reading of 99.5° or higher (as established by Delaware Health & Social Services), or flagged by the health screening questionnaire will be prohibited from entering;

o Guests demonstrating symptoms will be asked to immediately vacate the property;

· Patrons entering the Clubhouse will be given a wristband that will need to be worn at all times;

· All patrons must possess a face mask when entering the property, bandanas will not be acceptable;

· FACE MASKS COVERING THE NOSE AND MOUTH MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE INSIDE THE CLUBHOUSE, EXCEPT WHEN EATING. NON-COMPLIANCE WILL RESULT IN A WARNING TO THE PATRON AND COULD RESULT IN THE PATRON BEING ASKED TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY;

· Face masks are strongly encouraged outside while properly social distancing and required when in areas that social distancing is not possible and while making wagers or ordering food and/or drinks;

· Proper social distancing will be enforced inside the Clubhouse and in the outside seating areas. Patrons will not be allowed to congregate in any areas, except those patrons from the same household;

· Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the Clubhouse and outdoor seating areas;

Live racing will continue through closing day on October 17th. Racing will be conducted on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 16th through October 1st. First race post time is 1:15p.

The highlight of the season is the filly and mare summer classic, the mile and a quarter Grade II Delaware Handicap on July 11th. The Grade III Delaware Oaks will be contested on July 4th.

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