Tracks Across Nation Close Doors Due to COVID-19

The sporting world is being upended as policies toward stemming the spread of COVID-19 are being put in place on local, state, and national levels.

The racing world is reacting as well. As of late afternoon March 12, the way racing is conducted has been modified severely in California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York. Tracks in all four states will continue to conduct racing on a limited scale and without patrons in the stands.

The cautionary measures extend beyond the United States, as it was also announced Thursday that the March 28 Dubai World Cup Presented by Emirates Airline (G1) and its supporting program will be run without spectators as well.

At about 1:30 p.m. ET Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields announced that they would close to the public effective immediately. Both tracks will continue to race as scheduled, with personnel licensed by the California Horse Racing Board allowed to attend.

A little after 3 p.m., the New York Racing Association followed suit, announcing that live racing at Aqueduct Racetrack will "occur behind closed doors until further notice."

At 4 p.m. Churchill Downs Inc. announced the March 14 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) program at Turfway Park in northern Kentucky would go "spectator free."

Minutes later, Keeneland announced its spring meet, which is set to open April 2, will start without spectators. A limited amount of credentials will be provided to those directly connected to horses running at the track. The Lexington track announced that, working with government officials and health authorities, it will consider reopening to spectators April 15.

Keeneland also announced the cancellation of its April 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale, which was slated for April 7.

BLOODHORSE STAFF: Keeneland to Start Spring Meet Without Spectators

At 5:30 p.m., the Maryland Jockey Club added their plans to continue live racing as scheduled while closing their Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Rosecroft Raceway facilities to the public "effective immediately."

"We will continue to monitor the situation and will look forward to welcoming our fans and guests again soon," read the Maryland Jockey Club release. 

Gulfstream Park also announced it will be temporarily closed to the public for racing and simulcasting at the conclusion of racing March 12 at just after 6 p.m.

Live racing will continue as scheduled at the South Florida track with personnel licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering in attendance, which will provide fans at home with the opportunity to stay connected via the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet apps.

The March 28 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) will be held but will also be closed to the public.

The Casino at Gulfstream Park will remain open for slot machine play only. All areas of the Clubhouse including the walking ring and apron will be closed with perimeter fencing and security. The Village at Gulfstream Park will remain open however, and encourages guests to check with specific retailers' operating hours.

The announcement regarding racing in California came not long after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that gatherings should be postponed, canceled, or limited to no more than 250 people to protect public health.

"The state's public health experts have determined that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March," Newsom stated. "Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines."

Santa Anita had already canceled the March 13 program due to weather concerns and has also moved the San Simeon Stakes (G3T), slated for March 14, to March 21, and the Irish O'Brien Stakes, originally scheduled for March 15, to March 22.

In New York the decision came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of 500 or more people in efforts to step the spread of the coronavirus.

"We believe that the most prudent decision to protect the health and well-being of all involved in our sport is to conduct upcoming race dates without attendees," said NYRA CEO and president Dave O'Rourke in a release. "NYRA will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation and make further adjustments as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the New York State Gaming Commission."

NYRA will continue to follow best practices established by the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted: "We are taking new actions to reduce the density of people across the state. Starting Friday at 5 pm, gatherings with 500 people or more will not be permitted in (New York). Additionally, for facilities with an occupancy of 500 or fewer, we are reducing the legal capacity by 50%."

All remaining racing at Turfway, which runs through March 28, will be run with essential staff, horsemen, owners, limited friends and family, and media, only. Daily simulcasting will also be closed through the remainder of the meet.

As for Turfway (which was purchased by Churchill Downs Inc. in 2019), the concern surrounds cold and wet conditions that would force spectators indoors. The ability to ensure safe social distancing, per recent public health guidelines, would be compromised.

Churchill's release also reported that, as of today, preparations for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) are still underway.

"With the event still seven weeks away, a decision will be made closer to that date, with respect to postponing the event until later in the year, using the most recent information while working with and seeking guidance from public health experts and authorities," the release stated.

Keeneland's release noted patrons that had purchased tickets for racing from April 2-11 will received full refund. Buyers of tickets for racing from April 15-24 have an option to request a full refund.

"While our horsemen and fans are certainly disappointed about us having to take these measures, it is critical to protect the health and safety of our patrons, employees, and participants from the spread of COVID-19," Keeneland president and CEO Bill Thomason said. "We take our responsibility to the community and the horse industry seriously and we will continue to work in partnership with government authorities."

The Dubai World Cup news came on the heels of their March 7 "Super Saturday" card also being run without spectators in the stands.

"Due to the ongoing global health implications of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, and precautionary measures being implemented by the United Arab Emirates' government, the $12 million Dubai World Cup and its supporting program will be conducted March 28 without paid spectators at Meydan Racecourse," officials said in a release.

Only horse connections, racing officials, accredited media and sponsors will be permitted entry on Dubai World Cup Day. All races will be contested and regulated in a standard fashion and results will be recorded officially.

The annual race card, one of the richest in the world and the pinnacle of the UAE racing season, features six group 1 races and three group 2s, with purses valued at $35 million. This year's renewal was expected to offer a celebration of the event's 25th anniversary. All supporting Dubai World Cup events, including race day entertainment, have been canceled.

Oaklawn Park in Arkansas issued a release early March 14 that the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort intends to remain open over the weekend.

"The safety of our guests and Team Members is our highest priority," the statement read. "As such, we are actively taking the appropriate preventative measures to address COVID-19 (coronavirus). We have expanded many of our standard sanitary procedures including, but not limited to: Providing more hand sanitizer dispensers across our property; increasing the frequency of all of our cleaning activities in our racing and casino areas, including, restrooms, restaurants, bars, entrance/exit doors, etc.; ensuring our protocols for cleaning and sanitation meet or exceed the guidelines of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and that of local and state health authorities.

As originally reported March 11 by Frank Angst, the 2020 annual racing integrity and equine welfare conference of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, scheduled for April 7-10, in New Orleans, La, has been canceled as a result of the public health concerns associated with the spread of COVID-19.

Also, New York Thoroughbred Breeders announced March 12 that the organization's divisional champions award banquet, slated for April 6 at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has been canceled because of COVID-19. The group will publicly announce the winners as planned April 6 via their website and social media channels.

On Wednesday evening President Donald Trump addressed the United States and unveiled several measures including a 30-day ban on travel to the U.S. by Europeans and restrictions on cargo. The National Basketball Association suspended its season Wednesday after a player tested positive for the virus, and the NCAA has announced that it's men's and women's basketball tournaments have been canceled. Major League Baseball has announced it will delay opening day—slated for March 26—at least two weeks. Minor League Baseball has followed suit.