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Oaklawn to Allow Limited Spectators

The 57-day meeting at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, AR, is set to be conducted with a limited number of spectators, pursuant to the directives of the Arkansas Department of Health.

“We’ve been working on plans covering numerous scenarios and we’re happy to announce we will be welcoming back race fans in 2021, albeit on a limited basis,” General Manager Wayne Smith said. “We know that the fans are what make Oaklawn so special, but our main concern is for the safety and well-being of our guests and team members. We appreciate the support we have received from the Arkansas Department of Health in developing this plan. We will be working with them throughout the live season and will adjust as needed.”

Oaklawn officials released the following guidelines:

General admission into the Grandstand will not be allowed initially in 2021.

Entrance into the Grandstand will strictly be for guests with a racing credential and/or reservation for that day’s races. Doors will open at 11 am.

Current seasonal box seat holders and current Oaklawn Jockey Club members may enter the Grandstand with weekly reservations required. Detailed correspondence to be sent separately to these individuals.

Restaurants inside the Grandstand, following Arkansas Department of Health directives, will be open to the public with weekly reservations required.

Simulcast will be open Wednesday–Sunday, 11a.m.–8 p.m. to limited capacity with weekly reservations required.

Social distancing will be enforced.

All guests and team members will be required to have non-invasive temperature checks as they enter the facility. Anyone presenting a temp at/over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will not be permitted inside the building.

All guests and team members will be required to wear masks at all times.

Smoking will not be allowed anywhere inside the facility, including the casino.

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2021 Kentucky Derby: Churchill Planning For Reduced Capacity, To Utilize All-Inclusive Ticket Plan

Though this year's Kentucky Derby was pushed from the first Saturday in May back to Sept. 5 by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and held without fans in attendance, Churchill Downs is planning to have at least limited spectators for the 2021 Run for the Roses.

According to wkyt.com, the track sent a letter to premium ticket purchasers this week. Churchill indicated that it is “planning for a capacity in line with today's protocols,” but that officials are “hopeful that we may be able to extend seating options for additional guests as we get closer to the 2021 Derby and Oaks dates.”

New to the seating arrangements in 2021 will be an all-inclusive ticket plan, with food and beverages included, which is intended to reduce patrons' need to spend time in lines, the letter said.

The 2021 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.

Four English Tracks Welcome Spectators on Wednesday

Four tracks will be welcoming in limited spectators in England on Wednesday. Haydock, Kempton, Lingfield and Ludlow-all located in Tier 2 areas–are all set to open their doors to spectators for the first time since March. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the halt of all racing from mid-March and it did not resume-behind closed doors only–until June 1. There have been a pair of small pilot days, with Doncaster and Warwick both hosting some crowds in September, but it was not until the UK government released their new tiered system that crowds were once more greenlit in any capacity. Racecourses in Tier 1 and 2 areas are permitted to allow spectators after the national lockdown ended in England on Wednesday. In Tier 1, up to 4,000 people are allowed or 50% capacity in outdoor venues, with those restrictions tightened to 2,000 people or 50% capacity in Tier 2 areas.

Jockey Club Group Chief Executive Nevin Truesdale, who commented on Haydock and Kempton, which are both under the Jockey Club Racecourses banner, said, “Aside from our successful pilot race day at Warwick, it’s been more than eight months since we’ve been able to welcome spectators on course–and racing fans have been incredibly patient in that time.

“Since the restricted number of tickets went on sale for our race days in Tier 2 areas of the country, we’ve seen a really positive response, including our general admission allocations selling out for this weekend’s feature race days at Sandown Park and Aintree. Last week’s Government announcement that a limited number of spectators will be allowed to return is a great first step on the road to recovery for sport in general.

“But there is no magic switch you flick to ensure your venues are instantly ready, and I’m very proud of all our teams around the country who have been working tirelessly to ensure that racing fans can purchase tickets as smoothly as possible and will then have a safe and enjoyable day out.”

Ludlow is limiting their numbers to about 650 instead of 2,000.

General Manager and Clerk of the Course Simon Sherwood said, “The phones have been very busy. We’ll probably be up to our maximum allocation as far as numbers are concerned. Hopefully we’ll be around the 650 mark, plus essential workers.

“It’ll be good to have people back on the race track. We’ve had to change our zones a little bit. It will be nice to have the owners back properly–because they have been restricted up until now–and members who, likewise, have been sitting on the sidelines for a long time. They are obviously our most important people.

“We are very much limiting our numbers, because it is a step in a new direction and we’re using it as a stepping stone to hopefully opening up a bit more for our December meeting.”

Besides Ludlow, Lingfield will also be restricting its capacity to only several hundred patrons.

Mark Spincer, Arena Racing Company Managing Director said, “We’ll get a few hundred people. We’ll probably be a little busier than would be expected for a normal midweek all-weather fixture. We’re not doing any hospitality, only for owners–so we haven’t put any corporate on which would normally be a reasonably good corporate day there–but we decided that before Christmas we’re just going to focus on the owners and the general admissions area.

“We’ll learn a lot tomorrow, as we have done all along. We’re ready–we’ve got processes and procedures in place. The site is ready. We’ve got a lot of fixtures there in the month of December–that’s another factor.

“The team have worked so hard. They were one of the first sites to come back behind closed doors. Any last minute changes and tweaks that get thrown at us, we’ll be ready to deal with accordingly.”

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UK Spectator Guidelines Released by BHA

A limited number of spectators will be allowed on certain English racecourses as of Dec. 2, the British Horseracing Authority announced. Spectators are permitted in some areas of England, according to the latest guidelines revealed by the UK government. Owners are able to attend fixtures across all three tiers, while regular spectators are allowed only in Tiers 1 and 2. Spectators and owners are both permitted in the Amber Zone (formerly the Owner Zone) at racecourses, but there will be specific areas reserved for owners only. Pre-registration is essential for all, and owners will receive an automatic email with details of how to register once their horse is entered to run. In addition, the owner’s email will contain information regarding badges available, food and beverage options and any screening arrangements in place at that fixture. The racecourses have produced a briefing document which outlines arrangements for owners under the tier system. Owners are also responsible for following the Owners’ Code. There is an updated version of the Owner Protocols to reflect the new tier system, as well.

The Racecourse Owners Association (ROA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are continuing to work with racecourses to ensure that the raceday is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, as the tier system enables an easing of restrictions guarding against the coronavirus. Please note that Scotland and Wales are awaiting guidance on the return of spectators. For more information, go to www.britishhorseracing.com.

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