Maryland, New Mexico Close Tracks, Simulcast Facilities

Gov. Larry Hogan issued an order March 15 that closed Maryland's racetracks, simulcast betting facilities, and casinos to the general public in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect March 16.

A state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency was declared in Maryland on March 5. Properties covered in the order include Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, Timonium Race Course, Fair Hill Races, Rosecroft Raceway, and Ocean Downs.

The Maryland Jockey Club announced plans March 12 to continue live racing at Laurel, Pimlico, and Rosecroft while closed to the public.

The order follows recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maryland Department of Health to cancel large gatherings and practice social distancing to prevent the exposure and transmission of COVID-19.

"To reduce the threat to human health caused by transmission of the novel coronavirus in Maryland, and to protect and save lives, it is necessary and reasonable that individuals in the state refrain from congregating," the order read.

To help prevent the transmission of COVID-19, "it is necessary to control and direct the occupancy and use of casino, racetrack, and simulcast betting facility buildings and premises in Maryland, and the movement of individuals to and from such buildings and premises," the order read.

The order remains in effect until the state of emergency has been terminated and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency has been rescinded, or until it is rescinded, superseded, amended, or revised by additional orders.

Sunland Park to Close for 'Two to Three Weeks'

Sunland Park general manager Rick Baugh also announced late Sunday afternoon that the New Mexico track will be closing for two to three weeks, which will necessitate the cancellation of the March 22 Sunland Derby (G3).

A Road to the Kentucky Derby points race, the Sunland Derby would have awarded 50-20-10-5 points to the first four across the finish line. The cancellations were in response to a call received by Sunland Park management around noon Sunday from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

"For the safety and welfare of the general public as well as our employees, the community including Sunland Park … they have asked us to cease operations for two to three weeks," Baugh said in an interview with Felix Chavez of the El Paso Times. "We're falling in line with the school systems. The reason for this: The governor wants to get ahead of the curve and reduce the bell curve. She wants to make sure we don't end up in a situation similar to California and New York."

Derby City Gaming to Temporarily Suspend Operations 

Churchill Downs Inc. followed the other announcements with their own closures, stating, "In the best interest of our guests, employees, and the community around us amid public health concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, Derby City Gaming and Churchill Downs Racetrack simulcasting has made the difficult decision to voluntarily suspend operations, effective Sunday, March 15, at midnight, for 14 days."

There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Derby City Gaming or Churchill Downs. 

"The safety and health of our guests, team members, and the protection of our entire community remains our primary concern. With a heightened awareness of the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are monitoring the situation with steadfast vigilance thanks to resources provided by the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as well as the guidance of our local and state authorities and public health officials," the release stated.

The operation is expecting to return to full operation March 30 and will continue normal payroll for team members during the 14-day suspension.

Other Tracks and Facilities Affected by COVID-19

While Keeneland announced strict protocols Sunday for only the essential personnel allowed to enter the track, Red Mile Gaming and Racing, along with The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, have agreed to suspend operations for a period of 14 days, beginning March 15 at 12 am ET in accordance with Kentucky Governor Beshear's recommendation.

Tampa Bay Downs reported it would move forward with racing Wednesday but without spectators, and with only limited essential personnel. At Tampa Bay, The Downs Golf Practice Facility and The Silks Poker Room remain open until further notice. However, pari-mutuel wagering will not be offered on-site.

Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields will temporarily close to the public. Both tracks will continue live racing as scheduled with personnel licensed by the California Horse Racing Board in attendance.

Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course announced live racing will resume March 17 with only essential and approved personnel. On March 13, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order outlining requirements for facilities in Ohio to not have more than 100 people congregating at any one time.

The Indiana Gaming and Indiana Horse Racing commissions announced that all licensed gaming and racing operations in Indiana will close at 6:00 a.m. ET Monday. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, and Winner’s Circle Race, Sports, Pub locations in downtown Indianapolis, New Haven, and Clarksville, Indiana, will be closing for at least 14 days.