Following are updates from tracks around the country regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting racing. For the most current information, please visit the specific track’s website or social media feed.
TTA Cancels Roses to Ribbons Event, Postpones Awards Banquet, 2-Year-Old Sale Still Scheduled
The Texas Thoroughbred Association is announcing changes to some of its upcoming events due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions recently announced at Sam Houston Race Park.
The Roses to Ribbons Old Fashioned Horse Fair, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at Sam Houston, has been cancelled. The TTA hopes to hold another renewal of the event later this year at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. The event helps find new homes and careers for Thoroughbreds ready to leave the racetrack.
The TTA has also announced the postponement of its annual meeting and awards banquet, originally set for Saturday, March 21, at Sam Houston. The track has announced that it will continue with live racing but with no fans in attendance. The track will stream the races online at no charge. The TTA hopes to hold the annual meeting and awards banquet later this year.
Lastly, at this time the TTA does intend to hold the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale as scheduled on April 3 at Lone Star Park with the breeze show set for April 1. The TTA will continue to monitor the situation and make an announcement should there be any changes.
Update from Lone Star Park
A Note to Our Guests and Patrons:
In light of the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to update you on the steps we are taking to ensure a safe and healthy work/play environment for our team members and you, our guests and patrons.
First, we continue to closely monitor the situation and receive daily reports from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the latest developments. Our staff is trained to strictly follow the CDC standards and guidelines with regard to communicable diseases.
Second, we have significantly enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting, particularly in the heavy traffic areas of our property. Additionally, our facilities undergo thorough cleaning daily to protect against transmission of communicable disease, including the coronavirus.
Third, we are strongly encouraging team members, guests and patrons to adhere to CDC and WHO guidelines. These recommendations include everything from thorough and frequent hand washing, to avoiding touching the face, eyes, nose and mouth. According to the guidelines, we are also advising team members, guests and patrons to stay home if they are sick or have had any contact with persons potentially exposed to the virus or other illnesses.
Fourth, we are posting updates on our social channels and website. We will do our best to keep you informed of changes in events and policies as new developments emerge.
We hope these measures give you confidence that we are taking the necessary precautions to maintain the safest, cleanest and healthiest environment possible. We remain committed to providing you with a fun, entertaining and quality experience.
On behalf of everyone at Lone Star Park, we extend our deepest appreciation to you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this together.
Oaklawn to Close Casino for Two Weeks; Racing to Continue
With the unfortunate announcement Sunday afternoon that two people have tested positive for Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Garland County, Oaklawn has made the decision to voluntarily close the casino for two weeks effective Monday, March 16 at 8 am through March 30. This includes Silks Bar and Grill, Bistro 2705 and the Sports Book. The racing operations will continue without spectators during this same time period.
“As good community citizen, we felt this was the right thing to do for public health,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “As for the nearly 1,000 team members we have on staff during this live racing season, including all year round and seasonal team members, we will continue to pay their salary and benefits during this two-week period.
“As for racing, it has always been the life blood of Oaklawn and we are happy to offer the horsemen an avenue for racing their horses in these challenging times. While no fans are permitted to experience racing during this time, fans will be limited to watch and wager on Oaklawn Anywhere. We continue to monitor everything on a day to day basis. We appreciate the patience of our guests, team members and horsemen.”
No Fans At NYRA
By Michael Fenrich
The country and the world is being affected by the Covid-19 Coronavirus at a fast pace. Many people and sports fans go to sports to escape and are now being affected by this pandemic in their sports utopia.
The majestic horses in the horse racing world is being affected as well. The horses will run without any fans at Aqueduct. Fans can view the races online on the New York Racing website or other platforms.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is placing a ban of 500 or more people in places to help stop this terrible virus that has changed daily life to so many.
To view the races and find out more please visit www.nyra.com.