spectators | Horse Racing Free Tips

The Queen’s Plate To Welcome Back Spectators

One of Canada's most prestigious annual sporting events is excited to welcome back spectators for the first time since June of 2019.

The $1 million Queen's Plate, the longest continuously run Thoroughbred stakes race in North America, will be raced on Sunday, August 22 in front of a crowd of fans at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. It is the first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and showcases Canada's top three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back spectators as this event just really isn't the same without them,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Last year we were proud to be able to run this historic race in very challenging circumstances due to the pandemic, but our fans were greatly missed. This year, we can't wait to host spectators and return The Queen's Plate traditions of fashion, live music, and gourmet food and drinks, all centered around the very best horse racing in the country.”

With Ontario currently in Step 3 of its “Roadmap to Reopen Plan”, horse racing facilities are permitted to have up to 50% of their typical capacity. For The Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack this includes grandstand seating, general admission (access to the second and third floor of the grandstand but no assigned seat), seating in its restaurants (Post Parade and The Patio at Champions), and the Premium Trackside Experience which includes two drink tickets, gourmet BBQ, racing programs and front row/rail side access to watch the big race and a special musical performance. The total inventory is estimated at approximately 5,000 tickets. In years past, upwards of 35,000 spectators have attended The Queen's Plate with expanded hosting areas which will not be permitted this year.

More details about the event, including a special musical performance, will be announced in the coming days.

Well-established COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place to offer spectators a safe and enjoyable experience.

“As excited as we are to welcome back fans to The Queen's Plate, we take the safety of our guests, employees, and horse racing participants extremely seriously and have throughout the pandemic,” said Lawson. “Fans can expect to be and feel safe, and have a great experience.”

Tickets for The 162nd Queen's Plate go on-sale to the general public tomorrow at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Dining tickets go on-sale on Tuesday, August 3 at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are $20 and grandstand tickets start at $35.

The post The Queen’s Plate To Welcome Back Spectators appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Fort Erie Plans To Allow Limited Spectators Beginning July 12

The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium announced today that a limited number of spectators will be allowed to return to the border oval beginning July 12. In response to the province's announcement that horse racing facilities can now reopen to spectators with a limited capacity, Fort Erie Race Track will gradually welcome back fans within the next few weeks.

“We are overjoyed to have spectators returning to the track,” said Drew Cady, the general manager of FELRC. “Of course, we remain extremely cautious about reopening our doors to spectators as the safety of all our horse people and staff remains the top priority.”

The border oval's racing season began on June 15 and the track will continue to offer live racing Monday and Tuesday afternoons until the end of October.

On July 5, the track will allow AGCO licensees to register online to attend upcoming racing days.

“Starting next week, we will allow people holding an AGCO license to have access to the track,” said Cady. “The horse owners – all the people who've continually footed the bill for their horses over the last several months can finally be trackside to see their horses run.”

On Monday, July 12 Fort Erie Race Track will be open to a limited number of spectators. Each spectator must reserve a spot online through forterieracing.com. Spectators will not be permitted on the property if they have not pre-registered online. Please note, everyone's temperature will be taken as part of the screening process to gain entry to the track upon arrival at the track. While visiting the track, wearing a mask is mandatory and must be worn at all times.

Covid-19 protocols remain in effect and will be monitored. Indoor areas of the track such as the Racebook and indoor dining areas remain closed. Spectators onsite will have access to washrooms and two outdoor BBQ food services; trackside at the Tikki Bar and as well as the Paddock Shack across from the paddock area.

Further details on the registration process will be available later this week on their website: www.forterieracing.com

The post Fort Erie Plans To Allow Limited Spectators Beginning July 12 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Woodbine To Allow Spectators At 25 Percent Capacity Beginning July 1

Beginning on Thursday, July 1, Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario, Canada will be able to welcome back spectators at 25 percent capacity, reports cbc.ca. The news comes as the provincial government moves into Phase Two of its reopening plan after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It's obviously exciting for all of our fans, owners and wagering customers to be able to get back to the racetrack,” Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson told cbc.ca. “A big part of horse racing is the live experience of being around the horses and watching the races.

“As great as Woodbine does in terms of simulcasting and broadcasting our product, what people really like and love is being there in person and seeing the air of excitement around the jockeys, the drivers and racing. It's a great experience.”

The reopening to spectators also applies to Woodbine Mohawk Park. More details on specific numbers will be released in the coming days.

Covid Testing Available at Belmont This Weekend

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Friday that it is collaborating with Quest Diagnostics to provide COVID-19 testing this Saturday and Sunday at Belmont Park, where a limited number of spectators will return to the track for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Quest Diagnostics Mobile Testing Unit will offer COVID-19 antigen tests, which return a result within 30 minutes. On both Saturday and Sunday, tests will be offered to spectators for $30. The Quest Diagnostics Mobile Testing Unit will be located near the Orange Parking Lot.

“COVID-19 testing is a powerful tool for providing insights that can foster safer environments. We commend the New York Racing Association for implementing this innovative program, which will benefit New Yorkers while providing a model other states can emulate to re-ignite their local economies,” said Cathy Doherty, Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Clinical Franchise Solutions and Marketing, Quest Diagnostics.

In accordance with New York State requirements, spectators must purchase track admission in advance and adhere to strict health and safety protocols designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

In order to enter Belmont Park, in accordance with New York State requirements, all ticketed spectators must submit proof of a completed vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

Ticketed spectators may submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result by presenting a physical copy of the test result or digitally through the New York State Excelsior Pass.

For comprehensive information on health and safety protocols in effect for the Belmont Park spring/summer meet, please visit: https://www.nyra.com/belmont/visit/plan-your-visit.

The post Covid Testing Available at Belmont This Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post