coronavirus pandemic | Horse Racing Free Tips

The Friday Show: Delayed Opening At Woodbine

Saturday was supposed to be opening day of the Thoroughbred meet at Woodbine racetrack near Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Instead, just as the 2020 season was halted prematurely by government order in the midst of a spike in the coronavirus pandemic, so too is the 2021 opening.

Jennifer Morrison, a longtime Ontario-based handicapper and turf writer (you can read her at www.canadianthoroughbred.com), joins publisher Ray Paulick and bloodstock editor Joe Nevills in this week's Friday Show to discuss how horsepeople are reacting to the latest setback – a lockdown, or stay-at-home order that has temporarily derailed live racing.

The Canadian lockdown comes at a time when more U.S. tracks are able to open to limited attendance and many Americans see light at the end of the dark COVID-19 tunnel.

We've also got our star of the week and a Toast to Vino Rosso that looks at another first-crop foal by the Breeders' Cup Classic-winning son of Curlin standing at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Watch this week's Friday Show below:

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Limited Number Of Santa Anita Tickets Go On Sale Monday At 10 A.M. PT

Santa Anita Park is excited to announce that as Los Angeles County continues to make progress in its fight against COVID-19, the historic track in Arcadia, Calif., will re-open to the public in a limited capacity beginning on Friday, April 2, per the State of California's guidelines for large sporting event venues.

Tickets for Santa Anita Derby Weekend (April 2-4) will be sold online only at santaanita.com/open beginning 10 a.m. Monday, March 29 Pacific Time. Tickets will be sold in “pods” of two seats, four seats and six seats.

The health and safety of our horses, community, fans, and staff is our priority. Our team has worked diligently with local health officials to ensure that the most up-to-date safety guidelines and protocols are in place for your visit.

From increased safety and disinfecting measures, to changes to our seating, we're committed to making sure our guests and staff can safely enjoy the races.

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Santa Anita To Permit Limited Number Of Fans Starting April 2 – Santa Anita Derby Eve

Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will reopen to the public at limited capacity beginning Friday, April 2, in keeping with state of California's guidelines for large sporting event venues. The opening, which comes as Los Angeles County moves into the red tier for COVID-19, is the day before the 84th running of the prestigious Runhappy Santa Anita Derby, traditionally one of the highlights on the Southern California sports calendar.

Fans must purchase tickets (which includes an assigned seat) in advance of arrival at Santa Anita. In accordance with state requirements for re-opening, walk-up or General Admission tickets cannot be sold, though that could change as the COVID-19 numbers improve in LA County.

To receive information on ticket sales as soon as they become available, fans are encouraged to sign up for Santa Anita's Newsletter at santaanita.com/open.

“We are extremely excited to welcome back our racing fans to Santa Anita, just in time for the Santa Anita Derby,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. “It hasn't been the same without the people who are so important to this sport. While the current restrictions are going to limit the size of the crowds, we are working hard to provide a memorable experience for our guests and to thank them for their support.”

Tickets will include a seat, program, and parking. All fans must follow stringent guidelines and protocols, including mandatory wearing of cloth face coverings and maintaining social distancing at all times. Box seats, tables and individual seats will be spaced out and sold to maximize social distancing.

The Grade 1, $750,000 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby is traditionally one of the track's biggest days. Last year, with the facility closed to all but the most essential personnel, Authentic finished second to Honor A.P. prior to becoming the 19th Kentucky Derby winner to have prepped in the Santa Anita Derby. Authentic closed out 2021 with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic en route to earning Horse of the Year honors.

First post time for Friday, April 2 will be 1:00 p.m. PT, and first post for Santa Anita Derby Day on April 3 will be 12 Noon PT.

For up-to-date information, please visit santaanita.com

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Del Mar Expecting To Host Fans For July 16 Opening Of Summer Meet

With improving trends in public health data, growth in vaccination rates and the gradual relaxation of limits on attendance at sporting and performance venues in the state, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials are looking forward to a return of fans to the seaside track north of San Diego, Calif., when it opens for its 82nd summer season on Friday, July 16, track officials said on Tuesday.

Track personnel are planning for spectators on site when the racetrack kicks off a 31-day season that will feature 34 major stakes, a substantial increase in purses and a return to the sun and fun vibe that has been part of its culture since it first opened its gates in 1937.

“We will continue to follow the guidance of local health officials and our medical advisors, but based on what has been announced for other local attractions such as the San Diego Padres and SeaWorld, we are optimistic we will have fans in the stands this summer at some level,” said Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein. “We have the advantages of a 350-acre site and a facility that can host people quite comfortably with appropriate social distancing as needed.”

With its traditional opening day feature – the Runhappy Oceanside Stakes – topping the bill, the Friday, July 16 kickoff will initiate a Friday-Saturday-Sunday beginning to the first two weeks of the season. The remainder of the meet will feature Thursday-through- Sunday racing weeks with a finale on Labor Day Monday, September 6. First post daily throughout the stand will be at 2 p.m. with the exception of Fridays in which first post will be at 4 p.m.

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