covid-19 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Del Mar Releases Protocols for Owners Attending the Fall Meet

For the Del Mar Fall meet, which begins Saturday, Oct. 31, all CHRB licensed owners will be permitted on track for both morning workouts and afternoon races. Unfortunately, due to state and local guidelines, non-licensed guests are still not permitted. Owners wishing to attend the races should email or call Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. To attend morning workouts, no advanced reservation is required.

On race days, owners must show their license when entering the track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the gate on the east side of the track across from the receiving barn. Owners will be required to be on the owner reservation list, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a full COVID-19 health screening, including a temperature check. Masks will be required to be worn at all times, and owners must respect social distancing guidelines.

On non-race days owners attending morning workouts must use the vehicle gate adjacent to the fire-station off Jimmy Durante Blvd. The first come, first served seating is located in the spacious clubhouse box seat area. At this time, owners must remain in the clubhouse seating area and may not enter the paddock or the winners circle. Owners are still not permitted to access the backstretch. Any violation of this strict policy will result in a forfeiture of racetrack privileges.

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Spectators Allowed at Churchill’s Fall Meet

Churchill Downs will open its 131st Fall Meet Sunday, Oct. 25, by allowing spectators for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began this past spring. It will mark the first time this year that fans can attend live racing at Churchill.

The Louisville track will continue to follow the COVID-19 health and safety protocols mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Temperature checks, medical questionnaires, physical distancing and mandatory face coverings will be required. Capacity will be limited as per Kentucky’s requirements for venues and event spaces. Last year’s average daily attendance during the Fall Meet was 4,200.

There will be no general admission, but reserved box seats will be sold for prices ranging from $5-$12. Dining options will also be available for a range of $39-$72. Children ages 12 and under are free, as is parking.

Tickets may be purchased online at churchilldowns.com/tickets/. For updated information on Churchill’s safety guidelines and procedures, visit churchilldowns.com/tickets/admissions-services/updates.

Sunday’s 11-race program, which will feature the 16th annual “Stars of Tomorrow I” card for 2-year-olds, will kick off at 1 p.m. ET. The meet runs for 24 days over five weeks through Nov. 29, except Nov 6-7, when the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland.

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Quartet Of Steeplechase Events To Be Streamed Live For Free This Fall

With COVID-19 eliminating, or severely limiting, live spectators at fall steeplechase races from Pennsylvania to Georgia, race organizers were struggling with decisions on whether or not to continue with their race plans. Since the pandemic, and with events not allowed to have spectators in much of the U.S., there has been a large decrease in equestrian events. Many of those employed in the industry face potential unemployment and financial hardship. Additionally, many non-profits usually receive funding and increased awareness through relationships with steeplechase race meets.

In an effort to help alleviate the hardship on the industry and their partners, the National Steeplechase Association has stepped up and is livestreaming several fall race meets. These efforts by NSA allow the horses to race, while spectators enjoy the sport from their homes, and associated non-profits – including land conservation organizations, community hospitals and food banks— continue to have a spotlight on their great work. Over the past years, steeplechase events have contributed millions to community nonprofits.

“We wanted to provide a venue for the steeplechase/racing industry to be able to get horses out and receive some financial support in the form of purse money while continuing to create exposure for non-profit beneficiaries,” explained Dr. William Allison, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association, the organization that oversees the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup. “Thanks to the NSA, horsemen have been able to continue training their equine athletes and fans can still enjoy the racing through Live Stream viewing.”

Race fans and equestrian enthusiasts can easily “Jump into Fall!” and view the Live Stream at http://nsa.network.video/ on the following dates:

Saturday, Oct. 24 – International Gold Cup; The Plains, Virginia
Sunday, Nov. 1 – Pennsylvania Hunt Cup; Unionville, Pennsylvania
Saturday, Nov. 7 – Steeplechase at Callaway; Pine Mountain, Georgia
Sunday, Nov. 15 – Steeplechase of Charleston; Hollywood, South Carolina

Race day start times generally kick off at 12:30 pm; final start times will be posted on the NSA website 48 hours before each race meet. Expert commentary will be provided by industry insiders Megan Connolly and Joe Clancy, with guest appearances from other sporting notables.

Unlike flat track racing, steeplechase racing provides the thrills and excitement of Thoroughbred horses racing over fences. By most accounts, the first steeplechase race was held in 1752 in Ireland. Today's sport is a true celebration of the long and close relationship between man and the horse. Riders depend on the athleticism, strength, speed and sure-footedness of their horses to carry them safely over varied fences.

“While COVID restrictions have made race meets challenging this year, we hope to be able to bring in new spectators who may want to see and learn about steeplechase racing,” said Al Griffin, president of the NSA. “It's an exciting sport that relies on a partnership between riders and horses—not something you see with other sports. The live stream provides an opportunity for the public to see what it's all about, free of charge.”

This year, the Live Stream will capture that excitement as well as gorgeous fall scenery in some of the country's most beautiful equestrian regions. The complimentary Live Stream productions have been sponsored by Brown Advisory, Charleston's The Post & Courier, Bruton Street-US and the Virginia Equine Alliance.

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Face Coverings Mandatory at British Race Fixtures

In an effort to further enhance existing COVID-19 control measures, all racecourse attendees at behind closed doors race fixtures will be required to wear a face covering at all times while at the beginning Monday, Oct. 26. Face coverings (i.e. non-medical face coverings) must be worn at the racecourse by all attendees who are not identified as needing certified/higher grade PPE (e.g. medical and cleaning staff).

Face coverings will be required in all indoor and outdoor areas of both the Green Zone and Owner Zone throughout the day. For more information on BHA’s COVID-19 protocols, click here.

Attendees must also continue to follow existing infection control requirements, including avoiding close contact and socially distancing in line with government guidance and BHA protocols.

“Our behind closed doors model and the vigilance of our participants and officials has enabled racing to return safely, with no evidence of transmission of Covid-19 on the racecourse,” said Dr. Jerry Hill, the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser. “Even in the period since resumption, there has been a growing scientific consensus that, when used correctly, face coverings can help to reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets.

“They provide an additional layer of infection control which, used alongside other essential measures like frequent handwashing and strict social distancing, can help racing reduce our risk of transmission and safeguard our industry from the virus.

“With cases rising across the country and more areas subject to local lockdowns and restrictions, we believe that making face coverings compulsory for all attendees–except, of course, where exemptions apply–is a sensible and necessary precaution to bolster our existing protocols and help keep everyone safe”.

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