coronavirus | Horse Racing Free Tips

Old Friends to Host ‘Homecoming Lite’

Old Friends Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, is set to host its 16th annual Homecoming event Sunday, May 2, from noon to 3 p.m. Dubbed 'Homecoming Lite,' the event will be restricted to 125 pre-paid guests owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets are $25 for the general public and will not be available for purchase on site. Members of Old Friends are free and children under the age of 10 are not permitted.

While the traditional silent and live auctions will be missing from this year's event, the art tent will feature photography, framed prints, pottery and more. There will also be a book table, yard sale and a collection of Kentucky Derby glasses. Food will not be served, but beverages will be available.

Reservations can be made online by visiting the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and clicking the booking button or by clicking here.

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Golden Gate to Reopen to Fans at Limited Capacity

Golden Gate Fields will reopen the racetrack to a limited capacity of fans starting Friday, Apr. 16, for the remainder of the winter/spring meet that runs through June 13.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans will be required to reserve tickets for the duration of the meet. General admission and walk-ups are not permitted at this time. Fans are encouraged to sign-up online to be the first to receive notification when tickets go on sale.

Reopening protocols will include social distancing, mandatory masking when not actively eating or drinking, contactless thermal temperature scanning, accessible hand sanitization stations and enhanced cleaning throughout the facility.

While the track will reopen to fans in limited capacity for live racing, the Turf Club Restaurant and simulcast facilities will remain closed until further notice.

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Toronto-Area Lockdown Forces Woodbine Postponement

With a government-enforced 28-day lockdown set to take effect in the province of Ontario Thursday, Apr. 8 at 12:01 a.m., officials at Woodbine Racetrack announced late Wednesday that the planned opening of the 2021 meet would be delayed.

Woodbine will continue to engage in dialogue with government officials and local health authorities in an effort to gain permission to operate a live meet during a lockdown situation in which they would try to begin operations once the stay-at-home order is lifted May 6.

“This is very difficult news to share with our horse people, horse players and fans throughout North America and the world,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, we have supported the Government of Ontario every step of the way and will continue to do so.

“However, if we do not receive permission to safely operate live racing during a lockdown situation after the stay-at-home is lifted, our industry and business could be greatly impacted, as trainers will not bring their horses to Woodbine Racetrack and more horses will be shipped out to the United States where there are plenty of racing opportunities. This situation has the potential to have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the Thoroughbred industry in Ontario.”

The backstretch at Woodbine will continue to operate as an essential service for the stabling, training and care of the horses. Active training, including times workouts, will also be allowed to continue, but starting gate and receiving barn training operations will be suspended for 10 days.

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Henry Cecil Open Weekend to Host Visitors in September

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, slated for Sept. 18-19 this year, will welcome visitors back to Newmarket for the first time since 2019. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event, which normally features racing and equine enthusiasts visiting training yards, into a virtual format for the first time. A total of £48,000 was raised for its three chosen beneficiaries-Racing Welfare (80%), the British Racing School (10%) and the Racing Centre (10%). This year, Racing Welfare, the newly formed Newmarket Pony Academy and a soon to be announced community project for all residents are the beneficiaries of the fundraiser. For more information, please visit www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk.

Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said, “Despite the challenges last year, we were determined to keep the event running and help raise funds for our charities. A huge thanks to everyone who donated money and supported the first Virtual Henry Cecil Open Weekend.

“Following recent Government announcements, we plan to welcome back visitors to Newmarket this September. The Henry Cecil Open Weekend provides a unique insight into racing life at Newmarket and is a highlight for many horseracing fans. We are very much looking forward to the weekend.”

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, added, “Racing Welfare is honoured to once again be one of the chosen charities of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. Previous funds raised from the Henry Cecil Open Weekend have gone towards the refurbishment of MacDonald Buchanan House in Newmarket into high-quality, safe accommodation for young people entering the racing industry. Any funds raised from the 2021 Henry Cecil Open Weekend will go towards the upkeep of this essential accommodation and the support of the 18 young tenants who live there, helping them to gain independent living skills and giving them a happy, healthy start in their racing careers. We are incredibly grateful to the Henry Cecil Open Weekend committee and to all those who donate to this fantastic weekend of racing entertainment.”

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