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Tattersalls To Explore All Options For December Sales Facing COVID-19 Lockdown

In response to the British government announcement on Saturday, Oct. 31 imposing a nationwide lockdown from Thursday, Nov. 5 to Wednesday, Dec. 2, Tattersalls will be exploring all possible options and dates for staging the 2020 Tattersalls December Sales.

Commenting on the current position, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said;

“As has so often been the case this year, we are having to respond to events and decisions entirely outside our control, but we would like to assure vendors and purchasers alike that our overriding priority is to stage the 2020 Tattersalls December Sales prior to Christmas. Naturally, our preferred option is to stage the December Sales on the existing scheduled dates and we are currently seeking clarity from the government as to whether bloodstock auctions are allowed to take place during the lockdown period. In the meantime in consultation with both Goffs and Arqana we will be looking to establish viable alternative dates with the joint aim of providing the industry with workable solutions to the challenges we all face.

“We will endeavor to provide the industry with definitive answers as soon as possible and while we regret the uncertainty and disruption caused by the new lockdown, we will continue to do everything in our power to stage sales at Tattersalls as safely as possible and at all times in full compliance with prevailing regulations.”

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Decision on UK Owners Attendance on Monday

British racing is continuing despite the upcoming second lockdown this Thursday, and a decision will be made on Monday to determine whether owners can watch their horses race, British Horseracing Authority Nick Rust said on Racing TV’s Luck on Sunday. The lockdown begins Nov. 5 and will last for four weeks. Betting shops will be closed during the lockdown as well.

“The Government has shown plenty of faith in us, and we can show what an important role racing plays in national life over the next month,” said Rust on Luck on Sunday. “There will be meetings tomorrow to work everything through, because there are arrangements which are different in Scotland and Wales–but fundamentally, on first assessment last night, the only query is going to be participation of owners.

“Obviously we’d love to keep them coming–but there have been some tough restrictions re-imposed on hospitality, so there are no guarantees on that. We will fight hard on it, but the main thing is that we comply and we keep racing going for the next month.”

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English Racing to Continue As Betting Shops to Close Due to New COVID Lockdown

British Prime Minister Borris Johnson announced during a press conference Saturday evening a four-week national shutdown, set to begin Thursday, Nov. 5, as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases in England. While horseracing, and other elite sports will be able to continue behind closed doors, betting shops, which re-opened following the initial lockdown June 15, are scheduled to be among businesses closed later this week.

A release issued by the British Horseracing Authority stated: “The horseracing industry has worked hard to maintain the safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and work. We have done all we can to play our part and will continue to do so under the new restrictions. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Oliver Dowden has said that elite sport played behind closed doors will be able to continue in this period. Horseracing is included in that category, which is crucial for our industry.”

“The government’s decision, we believe, recognizes the professionalism shown by our people and the vital need to protect their jobs. This is welcome news for the tens of thousands whose livelihoods depend upon our industry. Now, more than ever, we recognize the need to act responsibly and keep racing safely. In the difficult weeks ahead, our sport will do its best to lift the nation’s spirits.”

“We have set out to government in recent weeks the perilous future we face with no spectators permitted at present and betting shops closing. [The] decision does not alter the fact that racing needs urgent financial aid and funding reform to protect jobs and the future of our world-class industry.”

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Emerald Downs Concludes 2020 Season With Record Average Daily Handle

Emerald Downs concluded its 38-day 2020 racing season with record average daily handle. The track's 25th season was conducted with strict COVID protocols and without spectators.

Daily wagering averaged $1,796,475, a 61 percent increase over last year's average. Most of the wagering came from internet and mobile site customers located throughout the United States and Canada.

Track president Phil Ziegler reported there were no positive COVID cases: “We want to thank all our stakeholders for working together safely. We had unprecedented challenges not only at the track but in all aspects of our lives. We were the first professional sport to return in the state of Washington and through everyone's efforts we were able to put on a healthy and successful meet.”

Good health was not limited to the human participants. Over the 391 races conducted there were zero catastrophic breakdowns from the 2,895 starters.

On the track accomplishments included trainer Blaine Wright winning his first Longacres Mile with Anothertwistafate, Frank Lucarelli winning his 7th training title with 42 wins and Alex Cruz taking the jockey title with 72 wins in his first season at Emerald Downs.

2020 Season Timeline

• Barn area and training begins February 1. Opening Day scheduled for April 18.

• Stay at Home order issued on March 16. Only essential workers permitted in stable area as training and horse care continued. Opening Day delayed indefinitely.

• Approvals to run live racing (and other professional sports) posted by Governor's office on June 5.

• Washington Horse Racing Commission approves revised dates. Opening Day set for June 24 with racing Wednesdays and Thursdays without fans.

• June 24 – Opening Day. Horse Racing becomes the first professional sport to return in Washington.

• Longacres Mile is run on Thursday September 10th marking the first weekday running and the first time run under the lights.

• The 38 Day Race Meet concludes on Thursday, October 29.

Emerald Downs is located right off Highway 167 in Auburn, WA.

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