covid-19 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Owners Again Banned From Irish Courses

Owners in Ireland are once again banned from watching their runners in person, as Irish racing will continue behind closed doors due to the coronavirus. The Irish government moved the whole country to level three restrictions on Monday evening following an Irish Cabinet meeting with chief medical officer Dr. Tony Holohan earlier in the day. The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) had recommended all of Ireland be placed under level five restrictions for the next four weeks. Under level five restrictions all organised sports are halted. Prior to tonight’s ruling, only the counties of Dublin and Donegal had been under level three restrictions. Almost 1,000 COVID-19 cases were confirmed over the weekend in Ireland.

“It’s back to racing behind closed doors so level three, which means it will only be essential workers allowed,” said Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh. “We’re back to the situation we were in a month ago, but the good news is racing can continue and will continue, which is great.”

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With Derby Moved to September, A Good Month for Handle

According to Equibase figures, total wagering on U.S. races in September was $1,039,737,336, a 29.64% increase over 2019 numbers.

The handle for the GI Kentucky Derby day card at Churchill Downs fell dramatically this year. A total of $128.3 million was bet on the 14 races. In 2019, $250.9 million was wagered on the card. Nonetheless, the $128.3 million was the most bet on any racing program this year and was a major factor in the overall increase for September.

With the increase in numbers during September, total handle for the year is off just 2.86% from the numbers posted in 2019, when COVID-19 did not affect racing schedules.

There was more discouraging news when it came to purses. Because of the coronavirus, almost all betting is being done through ADWs, which contribute a lower percentage to purses than brick-and-mortar betting. Some tracks have also had to go several months without receiving contributions from casinos.

Purses were $110,251,841 in September, a 6.75% percent decline. For the year, they are down 29.61% , with $264.7 million less having been paid out this year when compared to 2019.

The lower purse total is also related to the reduction in racing days. Through September, there were 2,509 race cards held during the year. Through September 2019, that number was 3,515.

The average field size in September was 7.88, a modest increase. For the year, the field size has averaged 7.87 for a 6.53% increase.

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Racing Resumes in Wuhan, China

Thoroughbred racing resumed in Wuhan, China on Oct. 1. Racing had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic which originated in the region. A crowd of 3,000 fans were allowed to attend the races, with masks and strict social distancing measures enforced. The first race of the five-race card was the China Cup (video), which went to Ashraf (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in track-record time. Racecourse announcer Wen Li proclaimed, “Wuhan racing, we are back.”

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COVID-19: Meadowlands Remains Closed To Fans Until Oct. 5, Racing Continues

The Meadowlands Racetrack will remained closed to patrons for racing, simulcasting and sports wagering until Monday, Oct. 5.

The track first closed to patrons on Tuesday, Sept. 29, after a few individuals tested positive for COVID-19 that they acquired either in the workplace or at home. Contact tracing is ongoing.

Out of an abundance of caution the entire facility was shut down for top to bottom sanitization. The Meadowlands Racetrack is committed to providing a safe and healthy grandstand for all employees, patrons and fans.

Live harness racing will take place as scheduled on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 without spectators. Post time is 7:15pm.

Fans are encouraged to wager online by visiting their favorite online OTW. Must be 18+ to wager.

Re-opening details will be posted at PlayMeadowlands.com. Winners Bayonne OTW remains open for simulcasting.

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