COVID protocols | Horse Racing Free Tips

Gulfstream Relaxes Covid Protocols

Gulfstream Park has relaxed many of its COVID-19 protocols beginning with Friday's card, including open access to outdoor areas, guests not being required to wear face coverings outdoors, and the return of free admission to the apron, walking ring and breezeway. Other changes include the removal of most barriers and temporary plexiglass, no temperature checks at entrances and the welcoming back of families with small children. Guests will still be required to wear face masks inside and to practice social distancing.

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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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Strict Protocols In Place for Preakness Weekend Jockeys

Edited Press Release

The Maryland Jockey Club announced Friday strict protocols for jockeys intending to ride during Preakness weekend, Oct. 1-3, at Pimlico Race Course.

All jockeys intending to ride during the weekend must arrive at Pimlico’s drive-up COVID-19 testing site located just outside of the Hayward Avenue stable gate no later than 72 hours prior to their first riding assignment:

Monday, Sept. 28 by 10 a.m. for Thurs., Oct. 1
Tuesday, Sept. 29 by 10 a.m. for the Friday, Oct. 2
Wednesday, Sept. 30 by 10 a.m. for Sat., Oct. 3

All jockeys coming to Maryland from out of state will be required to leave Pimlico after being tested and self-isolate until notified of their test results. Those with negative results will be instructed to return to Pimlico for a wristband indicating their status and which barn area they are allowed to access.

Jockeys with positive results will be directed not to enter the grounds at Pimlico and may be referred to the local MedStar Health medical director for clinical evaluation.

Access to the jockeys’ room is limited to riders and their valets, jockeys’ room officials and staff and designated essential personnel. Only jockeys scheduled to ride on the current day’s program will be permitted entry.

All jockeys, valets and officials will have their temperatures taken daily and must demonstrate fair health before entering the jockeys’ room. Any jockey or official showing signs of illness will be denied access. Jockeys that display mild cold-like symptoms may be referred to MedStar for evaluation.

Additional jockeys’ quarters have been established to ensure social distancing. Female riders will utilize their same area adjacent to the Pimlico paddock, while male riders will be relocated to the second-floor clubhouse with split facilities for local and out-of-town jockeys. The jockeys’ room sauna will remain closed.

All jockeys are required to wear gloves, including during races, and are required to change to clean gloves with each race. Face coverings must be worn at all times over the mouth and nose while in the jockeys’ room. Jockeys, valets and officials are not allowed to gather or loiter in the room or jockey areas between races or before and after the race card.

Every employee, jockey, official and horseman are required to maintain social distancing strategies at all times, both within and outside of training and racing hours. The Maryland Department of Health recommends any Marylander returning from out of state or any out-of-state visitors to get tested for COVID-19 promptly upon arrival in or within 72 hours before travel to Maryland.

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No Public Admitted at Keeneland Fall Meet

The Keeneland Fall meet, to be held Oct. 2-24, will be closed to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Keeneland announced via press release Tuesday. Only a limited number of participants and essential personnel will be permitted to attend the live race meet.

Keeneland conducted its five-day Summer Meet in July without spectators but did allow a limited number of owners and essential personnel to attend.

“The safety of our employees, our participants and our fans remains Keeneland’s top priority,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We have the most loyal fans in the world and we cannot wait for the day when we can welcome them back for live racing. The decision to close the meet to the public was made after consulting with local and state government officials and public health experts and monitoring how various sporting venues and events around the world have operated during the pandemic. With the guidance of these experts and lessons learned from recent events, we know this is the responsible course of action.”

“Sunday’s kickoff of the 12-day September Yearling Sale, which is followed by the Fall Meet, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the November Breeding Stock Sale, marks the beginning of a significant three months of business for Keeneland and the horse industry as a whole,” Keeneland President-Elect and Interim Head of Sales Shannon Arvin said. “It is paramount that we conduct our sales and racing operations in a safe and responsible manner that promotes the health and success of everyone involved.

“We will remain flexible and vigilant leading up to and throughout our Fall Meet to ensure that we observe the most current health and safety protocols and respond to any changes in a timely and thoughtful manner,” Arvin added.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, strict compliance with the following health and safety protocols will be required for participants and employees while they are at Keeneland. Similar protocols were in place for the Summer Meet and are in effect for Keeneland’s current September Yearling Sale:

• Individuals permitted to come onto the Keeneland grounds will be credentialed or ticketed in advance. Seating will be assigned and properly social distanced on race days.

• Participants include those with a competing horse, including a limited number of owners and trainers. Keeneland also will allow limited access to sponsors, box holders and Club members.

• Keeneland will not permit any general admission or walk-up attendees. Credentialed participants will be assigned a seat for the race day.

• Keeneland will maintain records to allow for contact tracing.

• Health screenings, including a series of questions and temperature checks, will continue at all entrance gates.

• All individuals must wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while at Keeneland.

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