COVID | Horse Racing Free Tips

Golden Gate Fields Reopening To Limited Fans On Friday, April 16

Golden Gate Fields has announced the reopening of the racetrack to a limited capacity of fans starting on Friday, April 16, for the remainder of the Winter/Spring Meet that runs through to June 13. The limited capacity reopening is scheduled one week before Gold Rush Weekend, the Bay Area's marquee Thoroughbred horse racing event of the year. Gold Rush Weekend will run April 24-25 and features eight graded stakes races including the prestigious Grade 3 $250,000 San Francisco Mile.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans will be required to reserve tickets for the duration of the Winter/Spring Meet and for Gold Rush Weekend online. General Admission and walk-ups are not permitted at this time. Fans are encouraged to sign-up online at www.goldengatefields.com to be the first to receive notification when tickets go on sale.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome racing fans back to Golden Gate Fields”, said David Duggan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Golden Gate Fields. “Our team has worked tirelessly and in collaboration with the officials from the Berkeley Public Health Division to plan for the reopening of Golden Gate Fields to the public. It is our goal to deliver a world-class Thoroughbred racing meet for our guests and the community in a safe and memorable way.”

Since the outset of the pandemic, 1/ST and Golden Gate Fields have implemented stringent, industry-leading COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Reopening protocols for the Winter/Spring Meet will include social distancing, mandatory masking when not actively eating or drinking, contactless thermal temperature scanning, accessible hand sanitization stations and enhanced cleaning throughout the facility. For more information on the health and safety protocols at Golden Gate Fields, please visit www.goldengatefields.com/Covid-19.

Berkeley Public Health Division and their operating partner Curative have used the large north side parking lot at Golden Gate Fields for priority tier-based vaccinations for Alameda County residents since February. Those who work on the backstretch at Golden Gate Fields and categorized in the agricultural priority tier were also eligible to receive the vaccine.

“Since the initial COVID-19 outbreak on our campus, we have successfully and sustainably reduced COVID-19 transmission to zero, minimized morbidity and proactively promoted vaccination of our community,” said. Dr. David Seftel, MD, Track Physician, Golden Gate Fields. “Thanks to the efforts of the Berkeley Public Health Division and Curative, I am pleased that all of those who work on the backstretch and the employees at Golden Gate Fields have been fully vaccinated.”

While the track will reopen to fans in limited capacity for live racing, the Turf Club Restaurant and simulcast facilities will remain closed until further notice.

Contactless wagering can be enjoyed regardless of where fans are viewing the races with handicapping tools available on the 1/ST BET app, the official betting app of Golden Gate Fields. Part of the 1/ST TECHNOLOGY suite of handicapping and betting products, 1/ST BET is changing the game by delivering a user-friendly experience that suits everyone from the experienced horseplayer to the first-timer.

To stay up-to-date and for information regarding tickets, please visit www.goldengatefields.com or follow Golden Gate Fields on Twitter and Instagram @GGFRacing or on Facebook at Golden Gate Fields.

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Start Of Woodbine Meet Postponed Due To Provincial COVID Restrictions

As a result of the Provincial State of Emergency declared today by the Government of Ontario, which includes a province-wide 28-day stay-at-home order effective Thursday, April 8 at 12:01 a.m., Woodbine Entertainment announced that the 2021 Thoroughbred Meet at Woodbine Racetrack has been postponed.

Woodbine Entertainment also confirmed that it is continuing its efforts with government officials and local health authorities to be permitted to safely operate live racing during a lockdown situation which would allow the Thoroughbred season to commence after the stay-at-home order is lifted on May 6. The season was scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 17.

“This is very difficult news to share with our horse people, horse players and fans throughout North America and the world,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, we have supported the Government of Ontario every step of the way and will continue to do so.

“However, if we do not receive permission to safely operate live racing during a lockdown situation after the stay-at-home is lifted, our industry and business could be greatly impacted as trainers will not bring their horses to Woodbine Racetrack and more horses will be shipped-out to the United States where there are plenty of racing opportunities. This situation has the potential to have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the thoroughbred industry in Ontario.”

During stay-at-home order, Woodbine will continue to operate the backstretch at Woodbine Racetrack as an essential service for the stabling, training and care of horses. Active training, including timed workouts, will continue but starting gate and receiving barn training operations will be temporarily suspended for 10 days.

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Live Horse Racing Shut Down In Ontario; Mohawk Park Suspended, Woodbine Opening In Question

Woodbine Entertainment has announced that live Standardbred racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park will be temporarily suspended following this Friday's (April 2) card due to the Government of Ontario imposing a province-wide “emergency brake” of COVID-19 restrictions, effective Saturday, April 3 at 12:01 a.m.

Live horse racing, without spectators, is not currently permitted during the Government of Ontario's 'emergency brake' shutdown, which will be in place in for a minimum of four weeks.

Woodbine Entertainment continues to engage in discussions with the Provincial Government and Halton Region regarding the request to continue safely operating live racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park during this shutdown or a lockdown situation.

As part of these discussions, Woodbine continues to demonstrate its commitment to safety through its industry-leading COVID-19 Prevention Protocols and a safety record that includes not a single case of on-site transmission of the virus at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson indicated that while horse racing will pause on Saturday per provincial guidelines, local health authorities can give the green light for horse racing to resume in their region.

Live racing is schedule to be conducted Friday (April 2) prior to the shutdown. Post time is 7 p.m.

At Woodbine Racecourse, opening day is scheduled for April 17, 2021. The Woodbine backstretch is open and horses are able to train; it is afternoon racing which is currently restricted by the provincial government.

“We have made the argument all along that this is an outdoor activity and we wouldn't be allowing spectators,” Lawson said earlier this month. “Our risk profile in the afternoon is the same as our risk profile in the morning. We should be able to run.”

The Thoroughbred opener could go ahead as scheduled with approval from Toronto Public Health, according to The Battlefords News-Optimist.

“In the coming days, we will continue to discuss our request with Toronto Public Health,” Lawson wrote in a statement to horsemen. “As we head into the long weekend, I am cautiously optimistic about the situation.

“I do fully appreciate the need for a definitive answer so you can plan and prepare accordingly. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can do be able to start our season on time.”

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Santa Anita’s Infield Reopens To Fans On Santa Anita Derby Day

A fans' favorite for generations, Santa Anita's spacious Infield Area will reopen to the public this Saturday, Runhappy Santa Anita Derby Day. “Bring Your Own Seat” Admission to the Infield, which is accessible via Gate 6 off of Colorado Place on the track's northern perimeter, is just $5. “Bring Your Own Seat” Admission includes parking and a racing program.

All tickets must be purchased in advance at santaanita.com/open. Tickets may be purchased in quantities of one to six and ticket holders are welcome to bring their food and beverage, with the exception of alcohol and glass containers.

As in years past, Infield ticket holders are welcome to bring lawn chairs and coolers and are advised to please consider bringing sunscreen as shade will not be provided. Each pod or household group will be required to set up at least 10 feet away from other pods to ensure proper social distancing. Limited food and beverage service will be available.

Picnic Reserved Seating will also be available this weekend. Located on the west end of the Infield, Santa Anita's Picnic Circles offer fans shade, televisions and private gardens from which to enjoy the races.

Picnic Circle tickets are available at santaanita.com/open for $10, which guarantees a reserved seat in the shade, a racing program and self-parking in the North Lot via Gate 6.

Picnic Circle tickets may be purchased in quantities of three to six and ticket holders may bring their own food and beverage, with the exception of alcohol and glass containers.

Fans are advised that face masks are required and that COVID safety protocols apply throughout the Infield Area.

For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

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