coronavirus | Horse Racing Free Tips

Keeneland Further Elaborates On COVID-19 Policies For September Yearling Sale

Following is an open letter to the industry from Shannon B. Arvin, Keeneland's president-elect and interim head of sales:

Over the past several weeks, the Keeneland team has been reviewing every aspect of our sales operation and collaborating with government and health officials to deliver the safest possible environment for our sales participants. To provide further assurances and consistency in the marketplace, we've continued to coordinate our protocols with Fasig-Tipton.

This week's newsletter provides a thorough overview of these efforts and operational protocols for the Keeneland September Sale. As a reminder, please continue to reference keeneland.com/september for the latest updates.

Thank you for your loyal support of Keeneland this fall. Please don't hesitate to contact me or any member of our sales team if you have questions related to the September Sale protocols or items specific to your operation.

HOW TO REQUEST A CREDENTIAL

Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton have partnered with a trusted technology provider, Virtual Badge, to serve our digital credential needs for both September sales. Both sales companies will share a common credential, conveniently accessible from your mobile device on the Virtual Badge app. In order to request a credential, please complete the following simple steps:

1. Download the Virtual Badge app on your smartphone in your App Store or Google Play. Create an account within the app, log in and select “Keeneland” under Organization.

2. Complete the credential application. Select your role at the sale and complete the questionnaire.
Buyers and their agents should complete the form and submit your request. No other action is needed.

All other sales participants should indicate whether you will be testing at Keeneland/Fasig-Tipton or off site. If testing at Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton, your results will be linked to your Virtual Badge account once a negative test is received.

If testing off site, upload a copy of your test result into the app.

3. Credential approved. You will receive notification within 48 hours after submitting your request and test results are received. Your approved credential will appear in the Virtual Badge app on your phone, which will be scanned at entry to the sales ground each day.

An approved credential issued by Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton will be valid for both sales, and therefore you will only need to complete this process once. Please apply with the organization that you will first enter within 10 days of your COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 TESTING AT KEENELAND

COVID-19 testing will be available on-site at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton beginning this Monday, Aug. 24. No appointment is necessary and you may arrive at any time during these testing windows. We ask that you print and complete this health questionnaire and waiver, and bring this paperwork with you when you arrive for testing.

Testing is available at the Keeneland Entertainment Center on the following dates. Please enter the grounds through Gate 1.

Aug 24-25 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sept. 11-12 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Please note that your COVID-19 test does not have to be taken at Keeneland; however, you must show proof of a negative test to submit your credential application, unless you are applying for a Buyer/Owner/Agent credential.

KEENELAND OPERATIONAL CHANGES FOR THE SEPTEMBER SALE

Earlier this week, we announced along with Fasig-Tipton a common set of protocols for those planning to attend both September sales. While protocols are consistent between Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, please make note of the following additional operational changes that apply specifically to Keeneland sales:

Barn Area

The barn area is open to credentialed participants. Participants must wear a face covering and socially distance at all times. Only consignors and their staff will be permitted to enter barns and shedrows.

Van drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicles, and therefore consignors must meet their horses at the receiving chute to unload.

Back Holding Ring & Sales Ring

Capacity in the Back Holding Ring will be reduced to two horses at a time with a maximum of three representatives per horse (one groom, one showperson and one consignor). No one else may enter this area or congregate in the chute area.

To limit contact, the showperson responsible for the horse will also lead the horse while in the Sales Ring.

Sales Pavilion

Capacity will be limited in the Sales Arena to 40 percent. No seating will be permitted on the benches encircling the Sales Arena.

Bidding locations have been expanded to allow for social distancing. In addition to the Sales Arena and Back Holding Ring, buyers may bid in the Show Ring.

Sales Offices

The Sales Counter will operate as normal but we have constructed plexiglass to protect sales participants and staff. Access to this area will be limited based on the number of people in the office at a given time.

The Sales Accounting Offices will be expanded for increased space and distancing. Signage will be available to point to this area located to the left of the Sales Counter.

The Administrative Offices at Keeneland are closed. All paperwork should be submitted to the Sales Counter or the Stable Office.

We encourage you to visit Keeneland.com/September for full details on these protocols as well as continued updates over the next few weeks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We wanted to take the opportunity to also address questions that we have received since releasing the safety and testing protocols along with Fasig-Tipton earlier this week. Please continue to reach out with questions and we will continue to use this newsletter as well as our website to answer your questions.

Will I need to be tested a second time over the course of the sale?

A negative COVID-19 test is required within 10 days of your first entry to the Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton grounds. No re-testing is needed after that point unless it is deemed through contact tracing that you may have been exposed, at which point a new negative COVID-19 test will be requested.

What is the earliest date I can test to be approved for a credential?

If you are attending both Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland September sales, it is Aug. 24. If you are only attending the Keeneland September Sale, it is Aug. 31.

If you have an approved credential for Fasig-Tipton, it will also be honored at Keeneland. The first wave of testing on Aug. 24-25 is intended to create a window to allow anyone who tests positive on these days to isolate for 10 days and still be present at their consignment for Book 1 preview days.

Since the credential can be used at Fasig-Tipton or Keeneland, does it matter which organization I apply under?
Please apply with the organization that you will first enter within 10 days of your COVID-19 test.

What is the turnaround time for testing?

You can expect to receive results for tests taken at Keeneland electronically within 48 hours. Keeneland is providing testing prior to the sale to allow everyone to be tested before entry to the grounds to work the sale. Therefore, you must leave the grounds after your test until you receive a negative result and approved credential.

Are bloodstock agents considered buyers with regards to testing requirements?

Yes. Bloodstock agents will not be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test. The exception is if they are also working in the barn area as a consignor or other role, in which case a negative test is required.

What are the requirements for those who shortlist for agents or buyers?

Each of these individuals will need to request a credential, but a negative COVID-19 test will not be required as they will be considered buyers. Again, the exception is if they are also working in the barn area for a consignor or other role, in which case a negative test is required.

Will van drivers need to be tested?

No, a test is not required for van drivers. However, drivers will not be allowed to get out of their vehicle at the loading chutes and therefore all consignors will need to meet their horses at the receiving chute. After loading/unloading, all vans must leave the grounds immediately.

I'm not sure if I need to be tested. How can I tell?

As a rule of thumb, if your role is such that you will need to enter the barn area, shedrow or a stall, a negative COVID-19 test will be required. A reminder that buyers are not permitted to enter the barns this year and must stay outdoors in the walking rings.

Do I need to make an appointment for testing?

No appointment is needed.

Are deliveries allowed on the grounds?

Yes, you can receive deliveries from caterers and other vendors. They will not require a test or credential; however, you must meet them at the designated drop-off zones near Barn 49 and the Track Kitchen to receive your delivery.

Who can I contact if I need help with my credentialing process?

If you need assistance, please contact credentialing@keeneland.com. Please wait at least 48 hours after testing before reaching out on your credential status.

What if I don't have a smart device or email/computer access?

Please contact credentialing@keeneland.com with advance notice for guidance.

The post Keeneland Further Elaborates On COVID-19 Policies For September Yearling Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Keeneland & Fasig Credentials Available Via the Virtual Badge App

Earlier this week, Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton released their joint safety protocols for their upcoming September Sales, which included a credential system for all attendees, including buyers. All consignors and their staffs, vets and their staffs and media are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test 10 days prior to the start of the Sept. 9-10 Fasig-Tipton Sale.

Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton have partnered with a trusted technology provider, Virtual Badge, to serve their digital credential needs for both September sales. Both sales companies will share a common credential, accessible from your mobile device on the Virtual Badge app. In order to request a credential, interested parties must complete the following steps:

Download the Virtual Badge app on your smartphone in your App Store or Google Play. Create an account within the app, log in and select “Keeneland” or “Fasig-Tipton” under Organization.
Complete the credential application. Select your role at the sale and complete the questionnaire.

Buyers and their agents should complete the form and submit your request. No other action is needed.

Credential approved. You will receive notification within 48 hours after submitting your request and test results are received. Your approved credential will appear in the Virtual Badge app on your phone, which will be scanned at entry to the sales ground each day.

The release also expanded on other sales protocols, such as the policies in the back ring and barn areas.

Barn Area

– The barn area is open to credentialed participants.

– Participants must wear a face covering and socially distance at all times. Only consignors and their staff will be permitted to enter barns and shedrows.

– Van drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicles, and therefore consignors must meet their horses at the receiving chute to unload.

Back Holding Ring & Sales Ring

– Capacity in the Back Holding Ring will be reduced to two horses at a time with a maximum of three representatives per horse (one groom, one showperson and one consignor). No one else may enter this area or congregate in the chute area.

– To limit contact, the show person responsible for the horse will also lead the horse while in the Sales Ring.

Sales Pavilion

– Capacity will be limited in the Sales Arena to 40%. No seating will be permitted on the benches encircling the Sales Arena.

– Bidding locations have been expanded to allow for social distancing. In addition to the Sales Arena and Back Holding Ring, buyers may bid in the Show Ring.

Sales Offices

– The Sales Counter will operate as normal but we have constructed plexiglass to protect sales participants and staff. Access to this area will be limited based on the number of people in the office at a given time.

– The Sales Accounting Offices will be expanded for increased space and distancing. Signage will be available to point to this area located to the left of the Sales Counter.

The Administrative Offices at Keeneland are closed. All paperwork should be submitted to the Sales Counter or the Stable Office.

The post Keeneland & Fasig Credentials Available Via the Virtual Badge App appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Plans in the Pipeline For Owners And Spectators to Return to Arlington

Arlington International Racecourse is awaiting decisions from local and state health officials that would pave the way for spectators to once again be allowed at the races under socially distanced pandemic precautions.

The plan calls for a phased-in approach that would start with horse owners being allowed back to the track, then ramping up attendance to allow 2,000 people into the plant for live racing on the day of the GI Kentucky Derby simulcast.

The Daily Herald of suburban Chicago first broke the story Friday. Arlington has proposed hosting 500 to 800 spectators (ages 18 and up) on other race days through the end of the meet. Advance online registration would be required for designated seating areas along the homestretch. Access to the grandstand would only be permitted to bet and to use rest rooms.

Arlington president Tony Petrillo told the Daily Herald that the track initially was directed to submit spectator plans to the Illinois Department of Agriculture but that management has since been told to pursue approvals through the Village of Arlington Heights, where the track is located. The village, in turn, is working with the county and state.

“It’s nice the way our facility is laid out. People are sitting in pods, basically,” Petrillo told the Daily Herald. “I think [by] the beginning of next week we’ll have some clarity.”

The post Plans in the Pipeline For Owners And Spectators to Return to Arlington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Kentucky Derby to be Run Without Fans

Just nine days after unveiling plans to allow about 23,000 spectators to attend the running of the Sept. 5 GI Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs announced Friday that no fans will be allowed to attend the race.

“We have made the difficult decision to hold this year’s Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 without fans,” read a statement from the track. “Churchill Downs and all of our team members feel strongly that it is our collective responsibility as citizens of Louisville to do all we responsibly can to protect the health, safety and security of our community in these challenging times and believe that running the Derby without spectators is the best way to do that. We deeply regret the disappointment this will bring to our loyal fans.”

Churchill Downs first announced plans June 29 to allow spectators. That came at a time when the COVID-19 numbers in Kentucky were relatively under control. However, the June announcement never specified how many fans would be allowed to attend. That was answered Aug. 12 when the 23,000 figure was released along with a 62-page operations plan. The plans included a mandate that patrons wear masks and the closing of the infield.

But the idea of having fans at the Derby seemed overly ambitious at the time because the coronavirus numbers in the state were climbing. According to the New York Times, there were 177 new cases in the state June 29 when the first announcement was made and 1,109 Aug. 12 at the time of the second announcement. The Times reported that were 1,067 cases Thursday.

A gathering of 23,000 at the Derby would have been the largest crowd assembled for any U.S. sporting event since the pandemic began.

On Thursday, Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said he would not be attending the Derby. He cited the high number of new coronavirus cases and protests being planned for Sept. 5 tied to the death of Breonna Taylor.

The Churchill announcement included a statement from Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, who backed the track’s decision.

“The virus is still aggressively spreading in Kentucky, and the White House has announced that Jefferson County and the City of Louisville are in a ‘red zone’ based on increases in cases. This week alone the county had more than 2,300 new cases.

Beshear said, “I applaud Churchill Downs for continuing to monitor the virus and for making the right and responsible decision. I am asking all Kentuckians to take action to stop the spread of the virus so we can get back to the many traditions we enjoy, like the Kentucky Derby.”

Churchill officials said in the announcement they had made the decision after consulting with public health authorities and that the positivity rate had gone from 2% in June to its current figure of 10%.

“This year’s Kentucky Derby was never going to be the celebration we’re used to, but I could not be more grateful to our tremendous team members and community partners for all of their efforts. We’ve left no stones unturned and reached the right decision,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. “We hope our fans, the Louisville community and our country find an opportunity over the coming weeks to reflect on the challenges we have faced this year as a community and as a nation, and work together toward a better and safer future.”

Only essential personnel and participants will be permitted on property.

Ticket holders for all Derby week race dates and related programming will be automatically issued a refund.

The June 20 GI Belmont S., which was the first leg of the Triple Crown this year, was also held without fans. No announcements regarding fans at the Oct. 3 GI Preakness S. have been issued yet by the Maryland Jockey Club.

The post Kentucky Derby to be Run Without Fans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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