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.

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“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

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“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.

Read more at cbc.ca.

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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.

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Owing to physical distancing protocols and other safety measures in place, Churchill Downs is limiting the number of reserved seats to 40 to 50 percent capacity and up to 60 percent in certain private premium areas that allow social distancing. Additionally, Infield-Only general admission ticket sales are limited to approximately 25 to 30 percent of capacity in the spacious, outdoor 22-acre Infield.

Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Week Health and Safety Operations Plan was developed in close collaboration with public health experts and adheres to the industry-specific guidance for “Venues and Event Spaces,” “Restaurants and Bars” and “Retail Businesses.” Current CDC recommendations guided the formation of the plan. Advice and counsel from the Louisville Metro Health Department along with key elements of Kentucky's Healthy at Work guidance are incorporated throughout the document.

“We've received an exceptional level of guidance from medical experts and public health authorities, and this plan will allow the reduced number of spectators in attendance to celebrate Kentucky Derby 147 in a safe and responsible way,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson said.

All attendees should perform a health self-assessment prior to their arrival at Churchill Downs. Anyone with an elevated temperature or illness should refrain from attending.

Although the Kentucky mask mandate was lifted for outdoor events of less than 1,000, state mask requirements still apply for guests of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby due to attendance in excess of 1,000. Protective face coverings/masks are required for all guests unless seated while actively eating or drinking. Guests will be encouraged to socially distance themselves from others when possible.

In addition, Churchill Downs has implemented a Compliance Ambassador program to drive awareness and adoption of public safety measures. Signage is placed throughout the facility, including the Infield, to remind guests to wear masks and practice social distancing. Messaging also will be programmed on television monitors including the 171' x 90' Panasonic TV Screen known as the “Big Board.”

Compliance of Churchill Downs' public safety measures is a condition of admittance. Offenders will receive a warning; repeat offenders will be escorted from the property without a refund.

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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.

“NYRA has been working collectively toward this goal since the start of the pandemic and we are thrilled to be able to welcome fans back to Belmont Park,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O'Rourke. “We thank our fans for their loyalty and support over this challenging year and look forward to the spring and summer ahead.”

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.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/New York State 14 days or more after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 14 days or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen).

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72-hours of the event start time or a negative antigen test collected within six hours of the event start time.

Ticketed spectators may submit proof of completed vaccination by presenting the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or digitally through the New York State Excelsior Pass.

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.

NYRA encourages all ticketed spectators who have been vaccinated or tested in New York State to download the Excelsior Pass today, which can be found at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass.

NYRA will adjust admission protocols accordingly should the CDC/New York State alter COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing requirements.

Daily tickets to Belmont Park will be available for $15 and will include track admission, a reserved seat in the Clubhouse, a pocket program and reserved parking. Assigned seating is mandatory and groups will be physically separated within all seating areas to ensure social distancing. On-site wagering will be available. During opening weekend, all ticketed spectators will receive a Daily Racing Form free of charge.

Following opening weekend, Belmont Park will be open to limited spectators on all live race days.

All admission must be purchased in advance at nyra.com/belmont/tickets/.

There will be no walk-up ticket sales of any kind. In order to enter Belmont Park, tickets must be presented digitally via a mobile device through Ticketmaster.com or the NYRA Account Manager. For additional details, visit the NYRA digital ticket guide.

In accordance with New York State requirements, daily attendance is limited to 20 percent of seated capacity for outdoor areas.

In addition, all ticketed spectators must complete a health questionnaire and submit to a contactless temperature check prior to entering Belmont Park. The required health questionnaire will be emailed to ticketed spectators prior to the event date and must be completed within 12 hours of gates opening.

Facial coverings are mandatory at Belmont Park for all ticketed spectators and personnel at all times.

Saturday's stakes action at Belmont features a trio of graded events with the Grade 2, $200,000 Fort Marcy for older horses at nine furlongs on turf; the Grade 2, $200,000 Sheepshead Bay at 11 furlongs on turf for older fillies and mares; and the Grade 3, $200,000 Westchester at one mile on the main track for older horses. First post is 12:20 p.m. Eastern.

Gates at Belmont Park will open to the public at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Ticketed spectators can watch and wager on the 147th running of the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs following the conclusion of live racing at Belmont. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is slated for 6:57 p.m.

Food and beverage options will be available for purchase. During opening weekend, outside coolers are not permitted at Belmont Park. The Belmont Café is currently the site of a Northwell Heath vaccination center and is closed to the public.

Social distancing will be enforced throughout the property, including in the area surrounding the paddock and length of the apron.

For additional information on spectator protocols at Belmont Park, please visit https://www.nyra.com/belmont/visit/plan-your-visit.

Ticketing information for the 2021 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be released in the near future.

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Tickets for the first 10 race days (May 19-June 17) will go on sale soon. You are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase tickets on-line. Tickets will be available at the gates only if availability remains. Daily attendance is limited as per protocols in place for spectator sports in Washington.

A day at the track will look and feel different in 2021 but the thrills and fun of live horse racing will be the same as always! Please read over all race day information before purchasing tickets.

Emerald Downs follows all guidelines and protocols in the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan.

FACE MASKS: Required at all times for fans ages 2 and older except when actively drinking or eating while seated. Masks are not permitted to be removed at any time while standing or walking throughout the track.

ADULT TICKET PRICES: $10 per person now includes general admission and a Race Program. This is a $2 savings from previous years. $13 per person includes general admission, a Race Program, and a reserved grandstand seat. Reserved seats will be socially spaced between groups.

CHILDREN TICKETS: $5 for children ages 12 and under. ($8 includes a reserved seat)

PARKING: Both free general parking and paid Preferred Parking will be available. There will be no Valet parking service this season.

ADMISSION POLICIES: No outside food or beverages permitted with the exception of a sealed 32 oz bottle of water or smaller per person.

SEATING: General admission bench and table seating is available throughout the track. All seating will be clearly marked to ensure 6-foot separation between groups. For reserved grandstand seats, social distancing protocols have been built into the ticketing system.

SMOKING: There is no smoking in any public areas of the track.

FOOD & BEVERAGE/CONCESSIONS: All bars and concessions are cashless with the exception of Quick Pix on Floor 5. If you do not have a debit or credit card you may purchase a gift card at Customer Service on track level or Floor 5. You may also use Apple or Google Pay. Menus will be streamlined with food packaged and ready to expedite your time at the concession stands.

WAGERING: A greater percentage of wagering machines will be self-service. Please follow the floor markers to maintain social distancing while waiting to bet. Contactless wagering is available using betemerald.com while at the track. See customer service for details.

RACING FORMS: Forms and simulcast programs will be sold at customer service.

GIFT SHOP: The Gift Shop is currently closed.

5th FLOOR DINING TABLES: A limited number of Rainier Dining tables will be open on Floor 5. Each table has a television monitor. These will be first come, first served on each race day. There will be no dining service. You may order food and beverages at Quick Pix and bring them to your table.

BOX SEATS: Boxes will be sold by calling customer service at 253-288-7711. As only a limited number of boxes are available, priority will be given to 2019 box seat holders. Box Seats are available on Floors 3 & 5.

SUITES: There are four suites available each race day. Please call the track at 253-288-7000 if you are interested. Windows must remain open in all suites and occupancy is limited to 25%.

2021 RACE DATES

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The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will be able to determine when Belmont Park will re-open to spectators following the issuance of detailed guidance from New York State addressing health and safety protocols specific to racetracks.

“We are incredibly eager to turn the page on this pandemic and safely open Belmont Park to fans as quickly as possible,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “Although Belmont Park will be closed to spectators throughout Opening Weekend, NYRA looks forward to seeing fans in the stands right back where they belong this spring and summer.”

The 48-day Belmont spring/summer meet boasts 59 total stakes races worth $16.95 million in total purse money.

“NYRA is committed to ensuring the safest possible environment for fans and will make any adjustments necessary so that the Northwell Health vaccination center operating at Belmont can continue to serve as many New Yorkers as possible,” O'Rourke added. “We thank Governor Cuomo and the state for paving the way for a successful summer at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.”

America's Day at the Races, the acclaimed national telecast produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, will present live racing throughout the Belmont Park spring/summer meet that will run Thursday through Sunday, July 11. Opening Day action from Belmont will feature on America's Day at the Races on FS2 from 1 – 5 p.m. Eastern.

Thursday's meet opener at Belmont includes five turf races on the eight-race card. In April, first post time at Belmont will be 1 p.m. Eastern.

For additional information please visit NYRA.com.

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The new two-day Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby ticket options are uncovered reserved bleacher seating in the First Turn and uncovered reserved box seating for six in the Infield, which will be temporary structures that expand the perimeter of reserved seating opportunities. Additionally, there are a limited number of first floor grandstand and second floor grandstand reserved seats available for purchase.

This year, all reserved seats to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks include all-inclusive food, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages. This change is intended to improve the guest experience by reducing the amount of time spent in line, eliminating the need for cash transactions for food and beverages and providing the opportunity to try a greater variety of food.

The 147^th runnings of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks and $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve will be held on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, respectively.

As previously announced, Churchill Downs will continue to limit the number of reserved seats to 40 to 50 percent capacity and, up to 60 percent in certain private areas that allow for social distancing. If the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue to improve closer to the event date, Churchill Downs will consider the sale of additional reserved seats and general admission tickets in the Infield.

Tickets to Churchill Downs Racetrack for all Kentucky Derby Week events are on sale at www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/2021-derby-week-tickets.

Guests with tickets who are unable to attend the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or other events can utilize the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange, the official fan-to-fan resale marketplace and only authorized resale platform, to resell tickets. The Official Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange allows guests to resell tickets, charge face value or above and guarantee authenticity through Ticketmaster verified tickets.

Notification of the availability of additional tickets to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be made by way of email and social media. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Kentucky Derby's email distribution list online at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/newsletter-signup and follow @KentuckyDerby on social media to stay updated on if or when there are changes to ticket availability.

Those interested in attending Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks can also visit Derby Experiences, the Kentucky Derby's Official Experience Package Partner, to explore a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, VIP Fast Access passes, hotel and transportation accommodations and more. Information is available online at www.derbyexperiences.com/kentucky-derby-2021.

Churchill Downs ticket options are available for other popular Derby Week events: Opening Night presented by Budweiser (Saturday, April 24); Dawn at the Downs (Sunday, April 25 and Monday, April 26); Champions Day presented by TwinSpires (Tuesday, April 27); and Thurby presented by Old Forester (Thursday, April 29).

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week, tickets are on sale for the entire 2021 Spring Meet, which covers 38 dates from Saturday, April 24 through Saturday, June 26.

Notable Spring Meet events and dates include Twilight Thursdays (Thursdays, May 6-June 24); Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9); Preakness Stakes Simulcast (Saturday, May 15); Sunday Brunch (Sundays, May 16-June 20); Downs After Dark presented by Budweiser (Saturdays, May 22 and June 12); Stephen Foster Preview Day (Saturday, May 29); Memorial Day (Monday, May 31); Teacher Appreciation Day (Thursday, June 3); Belmont Stakes Simulcast (Saturday, June 5); Flag Day Observance (Sunday, June 13); Father's Day (Sunday, June 20); and Stephen Foster Day/Closing Day (Saturday, June 26).

Churchill Downs will continue to rely on proven health and safety protocols and operate within the guidance of state health officials as well as the CDC. Information regarding Churchill Downs' Health & Safety plan for Kentucky Derby 2021 can be found at www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/ticket-options/updates.

The post New Kentucky Derby Tickets Go On Sale Friday, March 26 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Dubai Racing Club will host the race meeting without spectators and tickets will not be sold. All races will be contested and regulated in a standard fashion and results will be recorded in an official capacity.

In line with the UAE Government regulations, Dubai Racing Club will follow the strict health and safety measures, including full sanitization, thermal screening of attendees and social distancing.

We encourage all those unable to attend, to be a part of the event by following our social media platforms @DubaiWorldCup and YouTube channel MeydanRacing.

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