Only Essential Staff at California Tracks Amid COVID-19

Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, already racing without paid spectators as a precaution aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, will restrict attendance further this week by not "allowing anyone aside from trainers running horses and their attending staff to come to the races," Santa Anita posted on its March 21 overnight. Only licensed personnel will be allowed on the backside.

The Thoroughbred Owners of California also distributed an email March 18, updating members to the changes undertaken from The Stronach Group, which operates both tracks.

"We received notice today from the Stronach Group that they will now be limiting access to Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields to essential personnel including trainers, jockeys, and grooms," the TOC statement read. "For safety precautions and to stay as compliant as possible with (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and government directives, no owners or media will be allowed on track until further notice. As of now, both tracks are still planning on running scheduled races."