“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “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,” continued Arvin. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”

All attendees will be required to undergo health screenings and temperature checks on entrance. Face masks and social distancing while on Keeneland property are mandatory. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Keeneland cancelled the 2020 Spring Meet and held a five-day Summer Meet in July. Keeneland's Fall Meet and Breeders' Cup cards were held without spectators.

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“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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Spectators at the Steeplechase of Charleston will be accommodated in single vehicle spots with small groups up to five permitted for tailgating. There will be double the normal number of restrooms with additional cleaning throughout. Guests must wear masks when moving away from their tailgate spots and can bring their own food and beverages. Half the usual capacity of spectators will be allowed.

More than two-thirds of the scheduled steeplechase meets have been cancelled in the U.S. this year. Sunday’s meet, consisting of five races on the card, will be just one of two to admit fans. First post is at 1 p.m. ET.

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The Louisville track will continue to follow the COVID-19 health and safety protocols mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Temperature checks, medical questionnaires, physical distancing and mandatory face coverings will be required. Capacity will be limited as per Kentucky’s requirements for venues and event spaces. Last year’s average daily attendance during the Fall Meet was 4,200.

There will be no general admission, but reserved box seats will be sold for prices ranging from $5-$12. Dining options will also be available for a range of $39-$72. Children ages 12 and under are free, as is parking.

Tickets may be purchased online at churchilldowns.com/tickets/. For updated information on Churchill’s safety guidelines and procedures, visit churchilldowns.com/tickets/admissions-services/updates.

Sunday’s 11-race program, which will feature the 16th annual “Stars of Tomorrow I” card for 2-year-olds, will kick off at 1 p.m. ET. The meet runs for 24 days over five weeks through Nov. 29, except Nov 6-7, when the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland.

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Up to 300 patrons will be permitted to watch races on track from a variety of outdoor seating areas with strict safety protocols in place. All racegoers will be required to wear masks at all times, unless consuming food or beverages. No gatherings will be permitted indoors. The only interior areas with public access will be located on the first floor for restrooms and self-wagering terminals. Live mutuel clerks will be limited and restricted to cashing tickets only. No wagers will be accepted. No patrons under the age of 18 will be allowed admission.

The racing season at Arlington was scheduled to begin May 1, but for many weeks, there remained lingering doubt as to whether any sort of race meet would be staged in 2020. For a time, there was resistance to running a meet in the absence of spectators, but it was announced June 22 that the track would in fact open for 30 days of live racing beginning July 23.

The stakes program for 2020 was canceled in its entirety, with Chicago’s only three Grade I races–the Arlington Million, the Beverly D. S. and Secretariat S.–each put on hold for at least this year.

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