Tag: covid-19

BHA/HRI Adjust Restrictions on Internationally-Trained Runners

Reciprocal arrangements on participation by runners trained in international jurisdictions were announced jointly by the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland on Monday. Beginning on Oct. 1, internationally-trained horses will be permitted to participate in all British races other than Class 5 and 6 handicaps/classified stakes on the Flat and Class 5 handicaps over Jumps. All such runners will be subject to the relevant government regulations. The same arrangements will also be introduced in Ireland on Oct. 1. The Irish Rules of Racing will continue to state that “a horse trained outside of Ireland, with a Flat handicap rating of less than 60 will not be qualified to run in an Irish Flat handicap.” All overseas runners in Ireland will also be required to adhere to Irish government guidelines and HRI protocols.

The UK Industry Racing Group determined that it is appropriate to relax these restrictions which were approved by the BHA board on Sept. 15. Going forward, the purpose of the new restrictions is intended to balance the importance of GB-trained horses being given an opportunity to run, especially in low-grade handicaps, with the requirement to improve the quality of racing and see the best possible horses compete, and encourage international competition. However, these restrictions will remain under constant review as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

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Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby

When Churchill Downs finally made the wrenching decision to run the 2020 Kentucky Derby without fans, the year in horse racing already had taken numerous historic turns due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

In the aftermath of the race came the stunning and terrible realization that Churchill Downs could have been filled to capacity and still not held all those who have died in the United States from the virus. From a well of sadness a simple idea emerged – to show what was lost while honoring the spirit of America's greatest horse race.

With this video, writer John Scheinman and photojournalists Alex Evers, John Voorhees and Scott Serio teamed up to juxtapose the Kentucky Derby normally bursting with life and the stark emptiness of this year's race.

It is part lament for what has been lost, part deeply felt reflection and also a token of remembrance for future fans to look back on how, this year, everything changed – the year the Kentucky Derby was not run on the traditional first Saturday in May, but, rather, the first Saturday in September.

Watch the video below:

The post Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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TDN Q and A With Eddie Linehan

With the yearling sales now in full swing, TDN quizzes industry figures on past purchases, life during lockdown and their perspective on the sales over the next few weeks. Today, Eddie Linehan answers our questions.

TDN: What was your best yearling purchase over the last few years? And your favourite?

EL: [G1 Matron S. winner] Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) was the best I’ve ever signed for. She was late on the third day of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and was a standout yearling that day. Johnny Murtagh had loved her and was gone home by the time she was in the ring so I bid on her.

My favourite yearling was a Piccolo (GB) filly called Nantany (GB). She was an 800gns purchase in my first year buying breezers. She went on to win a listed race in Germany and was stakes placed a few times.

TDN: Are there any positives you have taken from how the sales have been conducted this year?

EL: Sales have been much the same really bar the masks and keeping your distance from people. All concerned are working hard and it seems to be working well.

TDN: How has your business adapted?

EL: I haven’t had to adapt too much so far bar trying to be as selective as possible. I have been busy buying my own breeze-up horses and a few yearlings for Johnny Murtagh.

TDN: In general what are your thoughts on the 2020 yearling catalogues? And what new stallions’ progeny are you most looking forward to?

EL: All the catalogues so far have been good. I was very impressed with the Tattersalls Ascot sale recently. On paper the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale looks strong so I’m really looking forward to that.

I’ve been very impressed with the Ribchesters (Ire) I have seen so far. There have been some nice horses by Profitable (Ire) and Cotai Glory (GB) too.

TDN: Did you develop any new interests or hobbies during lockdown?

EL: No new hobbies during lockdown bar eating a lot more as my sister Kate and fiancee Ellen were off work and it was like a bake off every day. I had plenty of help mucking out though so I wasn’t complaining.

TDN: Who’s the most interesting person you know?

EL: The most interesting person I know is Eugene O’ Sullivan. He’s a remarkable man.

TDN: What’s one mistake (if any) you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

EL: I’ve made lots of mistakes but last year I said I wasn’t going to buy anything unless I really loved it. I bought two in particular that I only half-liked as the money was ok and neither worked out great.

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Maskless Photo Draws COVID-19 Compliance Into Question At Keeneland September Yearling Sale

A photo in a tweet that circulated Thursday brought into question the enforcement of mask-wearing and social-distancing policies at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, leading Keeneland to issue a statement to Janet Patton of the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The photo, taken by bloodstock agent Michael Hernon and since deleted, displayed a group of over 20 individuals inspecting and showing horses during an “Express Lane” event outside a Taylor Made Sales Agency barn, in which a group of upcoming offerings are paraded in front of prospective buyers all at once to limit the hassle and potential contact of individual showings. Only one or two of the people in photo whose faces are visible are properly wearing masks, a couple others have their masks around their chins, and the rest do not have any visible face covering on or around them.

Patton, a veteran journalist whose coverage has included the business of the Thoroughbred industry, retweeted the image with a comment tagging Keeneland that asked: “How does this square with the protocols?”

Per Keeneland's COVID-19 safety policy for the sale: “All participants in the September Sale are required to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing of at least six feet at all times on the grounds – both indoors and outdoors.”

Fasig-Tipton also had a policy requiring masks at all times while on the property for the recent Selected Yearlings Showcase Sale, and photos from the sale revealed mixed success in mask enforcement, as well.

Buyers, owners, and bloodstock agents were not required to produce a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the property for either sale. That group is required to complete a health questionnaire prior to the sale, and daily temperature checks are taken. Negative tests were required for all others within 10 days of entry, including consignors and their crews, auction company staff, veterinarians, farriers, and media.

After the Keeneland photo gained some traction on social media, Patton contacted the company, which issued the following statement:

“Keeneland takes the health and safety of our employees and our sale participants very seriously, and we have addressed the issue pictured in the tweet with those involved. We remain vigilant in enforcing compliance with the COVID-19 protocols established to ensure that we, along with our consignors and buyers, are able to conduct the September Yearling Sale in a safe and responsible manner. Those protocols require that every person wears a mask at all times and maintains social distance. Please be assured that we continue to monitor our grounds to promote responsible behavior across the Keeneland campus.”

The post Maskless Photo Draws COVID-19 Compliance Into Question At Keeneland September Yearling Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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