covid-19 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Gosdens to Have First Runners on Mar. 27

John and Thady Gosen will have their first runners under a joint licence on Saturday, Mar. 27, after announcing their imminent partnership earlier this year. Several horses, among them Haqeeqy (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the Doncaster Unibet Lincoln Heritage H., will step forward for the Clarehaven duo on Saturday. The news was first reported by the Racing Post.

John Gosden told Racing Post, “It was always the plan to launch the dual-licence for the start of the Flat season and only delays on BHA modules due to Covid-19 prevented it being in place on Jan. 1. We'll make our first entries under the new licensing arrangements for next Saturday.

“Haqeeqy breezed around Waterhall on Friday morning and went nicely. He's yet to score beyond seven furlongs but shapes as if he should get a mile and goes there with a nice chance. We've had the Lincoln in mind for him for some time.”

The post Gosdens to Have First Runners on Mar. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Santa Anita To Permit Limited Number Of Fans Starting April 2 – Santa Anita Derby Eve

Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will reopen to the public at limited capacity beginning Friday, April 2, in keeping with state of California's guidelines for large sporting event venues. The opening, which comes as Los Angeles County moves into the red tier for COVID-19, is the day before the 84th running of the prestigious Runhappy Santa Anita Derby, traditionally one of the highlights on the Southern California sports calendar.

Fans must purchase tickets (which includes an assigned seat) in advance of arrival at Santa Anita. In accordance with state requirements for re-opening, walk-up or General Admission tickets cannot be sold, though that could change as the COVID-19 numbers improve in LA County.

To receive information on ticket sales as soon as they become available, fans are encouraged to sign up for Santa Anita's Newsletter at santaanita.com/open.

“We are extremely excited to welcome back our racing fans to Santa Anita, just in time for the Santa Anita Derby,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. “It hasn't been the same without the people who are so important to this sport. While the current restrictions are going to limit the size of the crowds, we are working hard to provide a memorable experience for our guests and to thank them for their support.”

Tickets will include a seat, program, and parking. All fans must follow stringent guidelines and protocols, including mandatory wearing of cloth face coverings and maintaining social distancing at all times. Box seats, tables and individual seats will be spaced out and sold to maximize social distancing.

The Grade 1, $750,000 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby is traditionally one of the track's biggest days. Last year, with the facility closed to all but the most essential personnel, Authentic finished second to Honor A.P. prior to becoming the 19th Kentucky Derby winner to have prepped in the Santa Anita Derby. Authentic closed out 2021 with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic en route to earning Horse of the Year honors.

First post time for Friday, April 2 will be 1:00 p.m. PT, and first post for Santa Anita Derby Day on April 3 will be 12 Noon PT.

For up-to-date information, please visit santaanita.com

The post Santa Anita To Permit Limited Number Of Fans Starting April 2 – Santa Anita Derby Eve appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Penn Mile Returns In 2021; Race Scheduled For May 28 At Penn National

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course announced today that the $300,000 Grade 2 Penn Mile and the $100,000 Penn Oaks will return again to the Grantville, Pennsylvania turf course after a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 shut down. The 2021 Penn Mile card will be contested on a Friday for the first time with the event slated for May 28.

“We are excited to once again offer the Penn Mile as it signals a return to normalcy,” said Eric Johnston, Director of Racing Operation for Penn National. “The race has quickly established itself on the national racing calendar by bringing the best horses, horsemen and jockeys to central Pennsylvania while also helping to establish some of the highest betting handles in Penn National history.”

The Penn Mile, first run in 2013, quickly achieved Grade 3 status in 2015 and was minted as a Grade 2 in 2017 by attracting notable Grade 1 winners such as Catch a Glimpse, Bobby's Kitten and Force the Pass. The 2019 edition of the Penn Mile produced the second largest betting handle in Penn National's 49 year history with the top five all-time wagering handles at Penn National Race Course all having occurred on the Penn Mile racing program.

“We are pleased with the success of the Penn Mile and appreciate the recognition it brings for our racing program, as a whole,” said Todd Mostoller, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania HBPA.

First Post for the day is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. EDT, with the Penn Oaks, also at one mile on the turf, being run at approximately 7:15 P.M. and the Penn Mile at 7:45 P.M.

The post Penn Mile Returns In 2021; Race Scheduled For May 28 At Penn National appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Del Mar Expecting To Host Fans For July 16 Opening Of Summer Meet

With improving trends in public health data, growth in vaccination rates and the gradual relaxation of limits on attendance at sporting and performance venues in the state, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials are looking forward to a return of fans to the seaside track north of San Diego, Calif., when it opens for its 82nd summer season on Friday, July 16, track officials said on Tuesday.

Track personnel are planning for spectators on site when the racetrack kicks off a 31-day season that will feature 34 major stakes, a substantial increase in purses and a return to the sun and fun vibe that has been part of its culture since it first opened its gates in 1937.

“We will continue to follow the guidance of local health officials and our medical advisors, but based on what has been announced for other local attractions such as the San Diego Padres and SeaWorld, we are optimistic we will have fans in the stands this summer at some level,” said Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein. “We have the advantages of a 350-acre site and a facility that can host people quite comfortably with appropriate social distancing as needed.”

With its traditional opening day feature – the Runhappy Oceanside Stakes – topping the bill, the Friday, July 16 kickoff will initiate a Friday-Saturday-Sunday beginning to the first two weeks of the season. The remainder of the meet will feature Thursday-through- Sunday racing weeks with a finale on Labor Day Monday, September 6. First post daily throughout the stand will be at 2 p.m. with the exception of Fridays in which first post will be at 4 p.m.

The post Del Mar Expecting To Host Fans For July 16 Opening Of Summer Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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