Amid Coronavirus Concerns, ARCI Cancels 2020 Conference
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
ARCI president Ed Martin
Citing the coronavirus situation, the Association of Racing Commissioners International announced March 11 that it will cancel its 2020 conference in New Orleans.
The umbrella group for state racing regulators was scheduled to meet April 7-10 for its annual conference on racing integrity and animal welfare. The ARCI apologized for any inconvenience but noted that the government has put restrictions on travel.
Those who have paid a registration fee will have that money refunded. ARCI will contact them to arrange the refund.
While Thoroughbred racetracks have yet to close their doors in North America, racetracks in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Europe have run without spectators in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Downs, Santa Anita Park, and Golden Gate Fields—the latter two operated by The Stronach Group—announced extra measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, such as hand-sanitizing stations, hospital-grade disinfectants, and high-powered, infection-control equipment such as electrostatic sprayers.
Keeneland, which opens April 2, distributed a newsletter Tuesday describing its enhanced sanitation protocols and provided guests with mobile options—buying tickets online, using tap-to-pay options at concessions, and betting through mobile apps—to reduce contact.
Yonkers Raceway, a harness track in New York, canceled its Tuesday card after an employee of the Standardbred Owners Association, working in the racing office of Yonkers Raceway, tested positive for coronavirus before passing away.