covid-19 protocols | Horse Racing Free Tips

Minnesota Stewards To Begin Issuing Civil Fines For Non-Compliance With COVID-19 Protocols

The Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association posted on Facebook Wednesday the following letter from Steve May, executive director of the Minnesota Racing Commission.

July 8, 2020

Attention:
Mike Cronin
Minnesota HBPA

Attention:
Andrew Offerman
Canterbury Park

RE: COVID-19 Protocol Compliance by Minnesota Racing Commission Licensees

Dear Sirs,

It has come to my attention through communications with Minnesota Racing Commission (“MRC”) licensees, Canterbury Park and MRC staff, and through my own observations at the racetrack that numerous licensees are not complying with COVID-19 protocols while at Canterbury Park. This is after countless verbal and written communications from MRC, Canterbury Park, and Minnesota HBPA personnel as well as signage posted throughout various Canterbury Park facilities. These areas of non-compliance include, but are not limited to:

• The usage of face masks that cover the mouth and nose;
• The display of color-coded wristbands to ensure that individuals have undergone a temperature and symptom check each day at the racetrack; and
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet in areas of congregation.

Therefore, I am instructing MRC investigators and staff, Canterbury Park staff, and any licensee to report the name and badge number of any licensed individual that is not complying with COVID-19 protocols while at Canterbury Park to Board of Stewards. I have also instructed the Board of Stewards to begin issuing civil fines for non-compliance with these protocols. These fines will begin at $100 and will escalate for repeated violations.

I do not believe that I need to remind anyone that failure to adhere to COVID-19 protocols has led to the closure of at least two pari-mutuel racetracks throughout the United States that had previously been allowed to operate with protocols in place. But I still rest assured that Minnesota's pari-mutuel racetracks can continue to offer a safe, secure facility for the horsepeople, the teams at Canterbury Park and the MRC, and most importantly the patrons visiting the racetrack. This is only possible with strict compliance to the COVID-19 protocols that have been thoroughly researched and developed with all parties in mind.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this letter.

Sincerely,

Steve May
Executive Director Minnesota Racing Commission

The post Minnesota Stewards To Begin Issuing Civil Fines For Non-Compliance With COVID-19 Protocols appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Delaware Park Reduces Attendance Capacity To 1,000 Patrons

Effective immediately, Delaware Park will reduce the attendance capacity to 1,000 total patrons, inside and outside. Only 500 patrons will be allowed access to the clubhouse and grandstand area and wristbands for admittance will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. The capacity will be reduced as a measure to better monitor the compliance of the required COVID-19 patron safety protocols.

As compliance improves, the capacity limits may be increased in the clubhouse and grandstand. There are no changes to the Grove and Picnic area.

The patron safety protocols for racing are as follows:

· Initial access to the Clubhouse/Grandstand will be limited to the Paddock entrance;

All patrons will have their temperature taken prior to being granted access to the Clubhouse:
o Temperature will be taken by thermal imaging camera or touchless, handheld thermometer;

· All patrons will be asked two health screening questions if they have any symptoms related to COVID – 19 or if there has been any close contact with a person testing positive for COVID – 19 during the previous 14 day period:

o Guests flagged by temperature reading of 99.5° or higher (as established by Delaware Health & Social Services), or flagged by the health screening questionnaire will be prohibited from entering;

o Guests demonstrating symptoms will be asked to immediately vacate the property;

· Patrons entering the Clubhouse will be given a wristband that will need to be worn at all times;

· All patrons must possess a face mask when entering the property, bandanas will not be acceptable;

· FACE MASKS COVERING THE NOSE AND MOUTH MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE INSIDE THE CLUBHOUSE, EXCEPT WHEN EATING. NON-COMPLIANCE WILL RESULT IN A WARNING TO THE PATRON AND COULD RESULT IN THE PATRON BEING ASKED TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY;

· Face masks are strongly encouraged outside while properly social distancing and required when in areas that social distancing is not possible and while making wagers or ordering food and/or drinks;

· Proper social distancing will be enforced inside the Clubhouse and in the outside seating areas. Patrons will not be allowed to congregate in any areas, except those patrons from the same household;

· Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the Clubhouse and outdoor seating areas;

Live racing will continue through closing day on October 17th. Racing will be conducted on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 16th through October 1st. First race post time is 1:15p.

The highlight of the season is the filly and mare summer classic, the mile and a quarter Grade II Delaware Handicap on July 11th. The Grade III Delaware Oaks will be contested on July 4th.

The post Delaware Park Reduces Attendance Capacity To 1,000 Patrons appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Irish Trainer Emmet Mullins Banned Three Months For Breaching COVID-19 Protocols

Irish trainer Emmet Mullins, a nephew of champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins, was sentenced to a fine and three-month ban this week after breaching COVID-19 protocols at Leopardstown on June 14, according to the Racing Post.

Mullins had been refused access to Leopardstown when he did not have the proper barcode, but entered the course anyway because he believed his groom would struggle to handle the horse Oriental Eagle (entered in the Listed Saval Beg Stakes) on his own. The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board (IHRB) called it an “extremely serious” breach of protocol, and fined the trainer €5,000 (about US$6,255).

Oriental Eagle finished sixth of seven runners.

“I accept the findings of today's hearing,” Mullins told the Racing Post. “I apologize for my actions, it was done without thought and in the heat of the moment. I won't be appealing, however, I have made a request to the IHRB that I donate the funds to our frontline workers.”