All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols. In addition, the jockey quarters at Aqueduct Racetrack have been substantially altered to provide maximum physical distancing and reduce density.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Rodriguez Castro will be permitted to return to competition on Friday, Jan. 21 should he remain asymptomatic.

Rodriguez Castro had been named on two Aqueduct mounts on Sunday, Jan. 16, along with one mount on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa.

In accordance with New York City requirements, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack in any capacity must demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Facemasks are always required on NYRA property.

Live racing continues Sunday at the Big A with a nine-race card headlined by the $100,000 Ladies. First post is 12:20 p.m. Eastern.

The post Aqueduct-Based Jockey Luis Rodriguez Castro Off Mounts After COVID-19 Positive appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols. In addition, the jockey quarters at Aqueduct Racetrack have been substantially altered to provide maximum physical distancing and reduce density.

Ramos sought testing Thursday after experiencing mild symptoms. He received the test result early Thursday morning and was not on-site at Aqueduct.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Ramos will be permitted to return to competition Thursday, Jan. 20 should he remain asymptomatic.

The post Jockey Christian Ramos Tests Positive for COVID-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols.

Vargas, Jr. rode races on Thursday, Dec. 30, and sought testing Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. Vargas, Jr. did not experience symptoms during Thursday's card.

Samuel had no mounts during Thursday's card and was not on-site at Aqueduct. He sought testing after developing mild symptoms on Thursday.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to return to competition on Thursday, Jan. 6, if they are asymptomatic.

In accordance with New York City requirements, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack in any capacity must demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Face masks are required at all times on NYRA property.

The post Two Aqueduct Jockeys Off Mounts After Testing Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols.

Vargas, Jr. rode races on Thursday, Dec. 30 and sought testing Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. Vargas, Jr. did not experience symptoms during Thursday's card.

Samuel had no mounts during Thursday's card and was not on-site at Aqueduct. He sought testing after developing mild symptoms on Thursday.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to return to competition on Thursday, Jan. 6 if they are asymptomatic.

In accordance with New York City requirements, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack in any capacity must demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Facemasks are required at all times on NYRA property.

The post Aqueduct Jockeys Vargas, Jr. and Samuel Test Positive for COVID-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Del Mar's 82nd racing season will open on Friday, July 16, and run through Labor Day Monday, September 6.

All fans wishing to attend must obtain a seating package in advance of their arrival. Admission tickets and parking passes will be included in the package. The track will put seats on sale online on Friday, June 18 (go to DMTC.com/tickets) with a pre-sale available on Thursday, June 17, for those that sign up at the Del Mar website (DMTC.com/2021).

“We are delighted to be able to welcome our fans back to Del Mar,” said DMTC president and COO Josh Rubinstein. “We appreciate their patience as we have all adapted to the changing circumstances over the last 15 months. We also appreciate the thoughtful guidance and cooperation we have received from the California Department of Public Health, the San Diego County Department of Public Health along with Dr. Ghazala Sharieff, Chief Medical Officer of Scripps Health, and her expert staff.”

Under current California Department of Public Health guidelines, fans will be required to wear masks when visiting Del Mar, except when eating or drinking in designated areas. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is scheduled to issue revised guidance on June 15th and track officials will adjust requirements on face coverings based on the new guidelines.

Del Mar will offer seating in its Stretch Run (Grandstand), Clubhouse, Turf Club, Skyrooms, Luxury and Celebrity Suites and its five major restaurants. Total seating at the track is 14,994. Track officials will have more to say about General Admission access over the next several weeks.

“We will continue to monitor public health guidelines and adjust our plans as the state makes additional progress and updates its recommendations,” said Rubinstein.

Besides the sale and pre-sale arrangements online, Del Mar will be offering the purchase of reserved seating packages by phone (858 792-4242) starting on Monday, June 21.

First post daily at the seaside oval will be 2 p.m. on all days except Fridays. Opening Day Friday will have a 2 p.m. post, but then Fridays thereafter will see a 4 p.m. start with the exceptions of the last two Fridays of the meet (August 27 and September 3) when things get started at 3:30 p.m. The first two weeks of the season will feature Friday-through-Sunday three-day weekends.  For the remainder of the meet, racing will be conducted on a Thursdays-through-Sunday basis with Closing Day on Labor Day Monday.

The post Del Mar To Open Summer Meet With 100% Capacity In Seating Areas appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

As a result of restrictions easing across England as the Covid alert level moves from level four to level three in seven days, English tracks should be able to host 4,000 spectators or fill a venue to 50% of capacity, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and The Horsemen's Group (GB) said in a joint statement following the Prime Minister's announcement. Planning is underway to allow owners to see their horses and meet with trainers and jockeys in the parade ring from this date, as a result of changes to elements of the existing raceday protocols. Plans were set out in February for British racing's easing of lockdown restrictions, aligned to the UK Government roadmap and its guidelines for sporting events.

Beginning on May 17 under current raceday restrictions, the Green Zone will be limited to key indoor working areas only, such as the weighing room, where existing infection control measures will remain in place, including social distancing, entry screening and mandatory face coverings. On most courses, all other areas including the parade ring and stables will be separated from the Green Zone, with entry screening reduced for trainers, stable staff, the media, and others. Social distancing will continue to apply, as required by government guidelines. Face coverings will be mandatory in the parade ring areas and indoors–in line with government guidance–but not elsewhere on course. These changes will start to be introduced at courses in England initially, with British racing seeking to have the same rules applied in Scotland and Wales. For more details on these raceday COVID-19 protocols, please go to www.britishhorseracing.com/.

Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the British Horseracing Authority, said, “It is extremely exciting that we are finally able to welcome racegoers back to our racecourses. It will allow racing's many fans to come back to the sport they love after more than a year away. We know there is a huge public demand for families and friends to meet up, outdoors, enjoy great food and drink and the unique social occasion of a race-meeting.

“In addition, from next week, racing can once again offer our owners the opportunity to feel much closer to the action on a racecourse by returning to the parade ring. Racing's leaders very much appreciate the commitment and patience shown by owners over the past year when their attendance and experience at racecourses has been restricted by the pandemic.”

David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association (RCA), said, “This next step in the Government's roadmap is hugely important milestone in the recovery of British Racing. Racecourses are very excited to welcome racegoers back and to be able to offer them a full raceday experience whilst extending our provision for owners to whom the sport remain greater in for their continued support.

“Lockdown began almost 14 months ago and it has been a very challenging journey for the industry and for racecourses in particular though several false starts and aborted pilot events. May the 17th marks a key step on the return to normality.”

Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) said, “Owners have played a critical role in keeping horse racing going behind closed doors throughout the past 12 months, contributing over £30 million a month in training fees alone. Whilst the invoices have continued, the ability to go racing and be a part of the race day experience has been greatly hindered as the country, and the wider industry, dealt with the pandemic at large. It is therefore a welcome step that come May 17th owners can get a step closer to the action with a return to the parade ring. There is more work to be done and we will continue to work with the BHA and RCA to improve the race day experience for owners, whilst recognising this milestone in the Government's roadmap.”

In 2020, racing halted in mid-March as the pandemic took hold, and did not resume until June 1 behind closed doors. There have been a few limited pilot events with spectators, but since the new lockdown began in late December, there have been no spectators at racecourses.

British racing is also liaising with officials at national and local level to press for a return to full crowds. The full return of spectators, however, will not start until at least June 21 according to the UK Governent roadmap. The UK Government is not likely to confirm its plans to further reduce COVID-19 restrictions until a week prior to that date.

The BHA's Chief Medical Adviser, Dr. Jerry Hill, said, “Low COVID-19 prevalence, rising vaccination levels and the wider availability of NHS testing have put British racing in a position to ease some of the infection control measures that our sport has followed so diligently since June last year.

“Like other sports, we are taking a measured approach, with incremental changes to balance protecting key raceday personnel with the return of a more traditional racecourse experience, particularly for owners and trainers.

“For now, all those going to a meeting, as participants, owners, or racing fans, will still be asked to observe social distancing and other COVID restrictions as in other areas of life. If we can all maintain those responsible behaviours for the next few weeks, it will help speed the return of 100% attendances and the further relaxation and in due course removal of physical COVID-19 infection control measures.

“I also want to thank all of our sport's participants for continuing to follow our on-course protocols, particularly around the weighing room complex and other close contact areas like the parade ring. This will help ensure that courses remain safe environments as the number of attendees increases.”

The post Limited Spectators to Return to English Tracks From May 17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

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.

The post Limited Number Of Santa Anita Tickets Go On Sale Monday At 10 A.M. PT appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

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

The post Santa Anita To Permit Limited Number Of Fans Starting April 2 – Santa Anita Derby Eve appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “We have missed their presence on race days and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.

“While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority,” continued Arvin. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”

All attendees will be required to undergo health screenings and temperature checks on entrance. Face masks and social distancing while on Keeneland property are mandatory. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Keeneland cancelled the 2020 Spring Meet and held a five-day Summer Meet in July. Keeneland's Fall Meet and Breeders' Cup cards were held without spectators.

The post Keeneland to Allow Limited Spectators in April appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

On Feb. 10, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that live sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to re-open to a limited number of spectators beginning Feb. 23. In order for qualifying venues to re-open, those sites must gain New York State Department of Health approval and limit the number of spectators to 10% of seated capacity. All attendees must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event and adhere to health and safety requirements, including mandatory facial coverings and social distancing.

NYRA is reviewing the newly announced guidelines to determine how they apply to Aqueduct, 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.

The Belmont spring/summer meet will offer 11 Grade I contests and seven races with purses of $700,000 or higher, with four of those contests coming during the three-day GI Belmont S. Racing Festival from Thursday, June 3 through Saturday, June 5. The festival will encompass 17 total stakes, including eight Grade Is on Belmont S. Day, capped by the $1.5-million “Test of the Champion” in the 1 1/2-mile final leg of the Triple Crown.

In addition to the 153rd running of the Belmont S. June 5, that day's card will include three Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifiers: the GI Metropolitan (Dirt Mile); the GI Ogden Phipps (Distaff); and the GI Jaipur (Turf Sprint).

The blockbuster Belmont S. Day card will also feature the GI Manhattan; the GI Acorn; the GI Longines Just a Game; the GI Woody Stephens; and the GII Brooklyn.

The Stars and Stripes Racing Festival returns Saturday, July 10 and features a trio of graded stakes headlined by the opening legs of NYRA's Turf Triple Series. Launched in 2019, the Turf Triple returns with a pair of races earning Grade I status, featuring the $1-million Belmont Derby Invitational and the Belmont Oaks Invitational.

Click here for the full 2021 Belmont Park spring/summer stakes schedule.

The post NYRA Releases Belmont Spring/Summer Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post