covid-19 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Keeneland To Allow Limited Number Of Fans At 2021 Spring Meet

Keeneland has announced plans to allow a limited number of fans to attend its 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Keeneland to cancel the 2020 Spring Meet and hold an unprecedented five-day Summer Meet in July. The 2020 Summer and Fall Meets and Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland were closed to fans.

For this year's Spring Meet, Keeneland will make available a limited number of pre-sold ticket packages including dining, Grandstand reserved seating and general admission.

Keeneland will announce details about how to purchase ticket packages and pricing on Monday, March 1. Fans are encouraged to visit keeneland.com/newsletter to sign up for ticket alerts in the coming weeks.

Keeneland will also allow limited access to race participants, sponsors, box holders and Club members.

“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed their presence on race days and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.

“While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority,” Arvin added. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”

In accordance with Keeneland's COVID-19 safety measures, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

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Virginia Gold Cup Moved to May 29 with Spectators

The Virginia Gold Cup, one of the country's oldest steeplechase races and traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, will be moved for 2020 to Saturday, May 29. Contested last year in June and livestreamed without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's edition will allow limited spectators. Ticket packages are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis with regular space reservations reverting to tradition in 2022.

“It's important to run these races so that we can continue to help out the equine industry and provide some income,” said Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “So many jockeys, trainers, and industry employees are dependent on these races.”

For more information, visit vagoldcup.com.

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Washington Horsemen Asked Not To Crash Second COVID-19 Vaccination Event

The following note was distributed by Emerald Downs president Phil Ziegler late Monday:

The Muckleshoot Tribe had a vaccination event on January 29-31 in their Health & Wellness parking lot. This event included employees of their businesses and their household family members.

It was brought to our attention on Saturday that racing industry people who were not employed by Emerald Downs were going to the event and representing themselves as employees. This misrepresentation was documented on the consent form.

Throughout the weekend we kept hearing from our employees that they saw trainers, horse owners and other industry people at the event who are not employed by the track.

Needless to say, this is not a good reflection upon our industry.

On February 19-21 the Tribe will be holding a second dose event for all those who received their first dose on January 29-31.

This event once again includes industry people who are employed by Emerald Downs (plus household members), had a vender pass or other venders who had authorization to attend.

For essential workers at the track who will be actively working in the stable area when we open in March, we can provide authorization for you to attend the second event.

For authorization, please email your information to philz@emeralddowns.com or if you have any questions please call me at 253-288-7004.

The post Washington Horsemen Asked Not To Crash Second COVID-19 Vaccination Event appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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KHRC Awards $14.3 Million to Kentucky Breeders for 2020

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has awarded $14.3 million to qualified breeders through the Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund for Kentucky Thoroughbreds' wins in 2020. The incentive fund requires owners to board mares in Kentucky from the time of breeding until the birth of the foal. Incentive payments are based on the foal's eventual winnings on the racetrack. Last year, nearly 3,500 races were won by a Kentucky-bred receiving a breeder award.

Kentucky-breds won over 245 graded stakes in the United States and 18 group races in Canada, England, France and Ireland last year, victories that included Authentic's (Into Mischief) success in the GI Kentucky Derby, Shedaresthedevil's (Daredevil) win in the GI Kentucky Oaks and Swiss Skydiver's (Daredevil) win in the GI Preakness S.

“We need the commonwealth's signature horse industry to stay strong and engaged as we sprint out of the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of being part of our history, the industry supports many Kentucky families today and will continue to draw new visitors to the state in the future,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “Thanks to Kentucky breeders and a strong racing circuit enhanced by historical horse racing, Kentucky remains a leader in breeding with more stallions than any other state, and representing 42% of the foal crop in North America.”

Since its inception in 2006, more than $184 million has been awarded to Kentucky breeders for winning eligible races across the globe. The fund receives 80% of the 6% sales tax paid when breeding a stallion to a mare in the commonwealth. In addition, the 2020 fund received $1.1 million from wagers on historical horse racing.

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