Graded Stakes Committee Offers Explanation Concerning Last Weekend’s BAQ Turf Races

The American Graded Stakes Committee has reviewed last weekend's five graded stakes races that were scheduled to run over the turf at the Belmont at the Big A meet and has determined that the original status will not be reinstated this year, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association said in a series of press releases Thursday.

The Oct. 7 and 8 renewal of the GIII Jockey Club Derby Invitational S., the GIII Belmont Turf Sprint S., the GIII Futurity S., the GIII Matron S. and the GIII Noble Damsel S., were all taken off the Aqueduct turf course and switched to the main track due to weather. That move automatically downgraded them to Listed status and they were conducted as Listed stakes races.

According to the American Graded Stakes Committee policy, the winners of those races are therefore credited with a Listed win, and the second and third-place finishers are credited with Listed placings.

When a graded turf race is moved to the dirt after the closing of nominations it is automatically downgraded one level for that running only.

The American Graded Stakes Committee will, however, promptly review the running of any race that is automatically downgraded as a result of this policy and may reinstate its former status.

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Pari-Mutuel Rules, Race Dates Adjusted At Indiana Grand

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) met Tuesday, March 2 and approved several changes for the upcoming 2021 racing season at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino.

Indiana Grand was initially set to hold live racing Saturday, May 1 during Kentucky Derby Day. However, due to uncertainty directly related to COVID-19, a request was submitted to the IHRC to reallocate that date to Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, which will become closing day for the 19th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The IHRC approved the change on the calendar for the 120-day racing season in 2021.

“Along with our horsemen, we thought it was in the best interest of all parties to move our scheduled racing day on May 1 (Kentucky Derby Day),” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing. “There is a strong likelihood that crowd capacity will still be limited at that time and live racing would only increase issues with safety protocols and potential wait times to enter the facility. We want to provide the best possible on-track experience for guests coming in for the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby and a reduction of activities on that day will alleviate some potential obstacles.”

In addition to the date change, the IHRC also approved amendments to current rules for pari-mutuel racing. Races taken off the turf once the wagering pools have closed for the Pick 4, Pick 5 and Pick 6 will now become “all” wagers. The Pick 6 will now become a scenario where “all” horses in that race will be considered a winner. Formerly when a horse scratched from a race taken off the turf after the close of the wagering pools, the customer was given a substitute of the post time favorite.

Indiana Grand introduced a lower takeout for the Pick 5 in 2020 at 11.99 percent, which remains in effect. In addition, the IHRC approved a reduced takeout for the Pick 4 along with the Pick 6 Jackpot wagers to 15 percent beginning in 2021.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our betting platforms and with the growing popularity of our multiple-race wagers, we felt a reduced takeout on these two wagers would be very attractive to our racing customers,” added Halstrom. “We've seen a tremendous increase in interest in these types of wagers at Indiana Grand and are excited to make them a better value for our fan base.”

Live racing returns to Indiana Grand Tuesday, April 13 and extends through Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. Racing will be conducted at 2:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with first post on Thursday set at 3:25 p.m. In addition, six all-Quarter Horse racing dates are set on select Saturdays starting June 5 at 10 a.m. A special Indiana Champions Day highlighting the state's top Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 beginning at 12 p.m. More information about the 2021 racing season is available at www.indianagrand.com.

The post Pari-Mutuel Rules, Race Dates Adjusted At Indiana Grand appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Churchill off Turf for at least Next Week

Churchill Downs took its Saturday grass races, including the GII Mrs. Revere S., off the turf and made the following announcement:

“There will be no turf entries taken for races scheduled to be run on turf from Nov. 19-22. All scheduled turf races in the condition book during this time period will be transferred to the main track and entries taken for the same conditions will be dirt only.”

Churchill was also off the turf on Friday. On Thursday, 2020 GI Kentucky Derby competitor Winning Impression reportedly broke down after finishing third in a turf allowance and was subsequently euthanized.

The Churchill fall meet will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 29.

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