coronavirus | Horse Racing Free Tips

Up To 250 Spectators To Be Permitted On-Site At Laurel Park Beginning Thursday

Following the successful reintroduction of live racing to its racetracks, and given the green light by state and county officials, the Maryland Jockey Club will reopen to the public on a limited basis starting with the Thursday, Oct. 15, program at Laurel Park.

The move comes following approval from Anne Arundel County, where Laurel Park is located, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's revised executive order issued Sept. 28 allowing up to 250 spectators at state racetracks. Laurel Park opened its calendar year-ending fall meet Oct. 8, five days after the conclusion of the six-day Preakness Meet at Pimlico Race Course.

Laurel Park was nearing the end of its winter meet when it was closed to the public March 12 due to health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Starting March 15, live racing was paused in Maryland for 2 1/2 months before returning to Laurel May 30.

Racing has been conducted without spectators following its return at both Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, though owners with participating horses have been permitted to watch them perform from the track apron since June 6.

The 250 persons allowed in the executive order are in addition to owners and other licensed personnel that have been granted access since late May in order to conduct live racing. Post time for Thursday's eight-race program at Laurel is 12:40 p.m.

Owners, patrons and employees will be granted entry through Laurel's grandstand entrance after having their temperature screened with a thermal camera. The horsemen's entrance adjacent to the historic paddock will only be staffed on live race days beginning at 8 a.m. for authorized personnel only.

Facial coverings and proper social distancing are required for all persons and will be strictly enforced. Physical barriers have been installed where personal interaction is necessary, and increased disinfection and sanitization of common areas will be in place. Laurel's simulcast room will be at 50-percent capacity.

While remaining dark on Mondays and Tuesdays, Laurel Park will be open for simulcasting on Wednesdays as well as live racing Thursday through Sunday in October and November. The first-floor grandstand concession area will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on those days, with the second-floor grandstand sports book bar open Friday through Sunday.

Laurel's first-floor clubhouse, currently being used to accommodate jockeys and valets, will remain closed to the public.

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Racehorse Relief Fund Launched

The Racehorse Relief Fund (RRF) has been started by the Racehorse Owners Association on Wednesday. The fund is a last resort to support the needs of racehorses whose owners are suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the RRF opened on Oct. 14 and is part of a package of measures agreed and announced in April by the leadership of racecourses, horsemen and BHA. It will be initially funded by the Racing Foundation.

“This is about protecting horses and livelihoods,” said ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton. “As the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis continue to crystallise it is clear that some owners will be financially affected and no longer able to sustain training fees. As a last resort, we hope that this fund will help horses, trainers and owners find a solution that meets the high standards of welfare we expect and provides some financial stability to training yards.”

Added Racing Foundation Chief Executive Rob Hezel, “The Racing Foundation is proud to be supporting the RRF as the industry looks to minimise the hardship created by COVID-19 on its participants both human and equine. Equine abandonment is a concern for the sport during this period given the massive financial impact of COVID-19. The fund will provide a vital safety net to protect horses and prevent welfare issues occurring.”

For more information or to apply, please go to www.rrfund.co.uk.

The post Racehorse Relief Fund Launched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Fasig-Tipton Announces COVID-19 Protocols For California Fall Yearling Sale

In advance of its upcoming California Fall Yearlings Sale at Los Alamitos, Fasig-Tipton has announced the following COVID-19 protocols will be in place in accordance with California regulations:

Screening measures, including temperature checks and health screening questions, will be in place to gain admittance to the sales grounds for all staff, participants and attendees;
Cloth face coverings are required in accordance with U.S. CDC recommendations;
Participants will not be allowed to congregate. At least six feet of distance must be maintained between people;
No indoor food service will be available;
Valet parking will not be available;
Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures will be implemented with regular sanitation of high touch surfaces at least every two hours;
Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended for all attendees;

The health and safety of sale participants is of paramount importance. These guidelines are intended as a supplement to assist with safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and are subject to change.

The California Fall Yearling Sale will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, Calif.

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Gulfstream Making Plans For Fans To Attend At 50-Percent Capacity During Championship Meet

Racing fans will be able to attend the Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park, according to the Thoroughbred Daily News. The South Florida track will allow fans at up to 50 percent capacity beginning on Dec. 2; Gulfstream shut down to all spectators in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but owners and invited guests have been allowed to attend the races under strict protocols since June.

“This thing is not going away anytime soon and we will do everything we can to keep people protected,” said Bill Badgett, the executive director of Florida racing operations for The Stronach Group. “The box area will be open and some grandstand seating, with social distancing, will be available. That way we can delegate certain sections and areas that we can control.”

Fan protocols have not yet been finalized, but are likely to include temperature checks and mandatory masks.

Read more at the Thoroughbred Daily News.

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