Gulfstream Pauses Racing; Keeneland Could Add Days

Amid the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, track officials announced late in the evening March 19 that Gulfstream Park would suspend the March 20 card before resuming March 21 to "update its protocols in a number of areas, including the jockeys' room." 

The announcement came following a day of racing in which two Florida-based jockeys, Irad Ortiz Jr. and Rajiv Maragh, announced via Twitter that they would no longer ride, citing safety concerns. It is unclear whether the protocol changes Gulfstream proposes will alter the jockeys' intentions.

Ortiz had been scheduled to ride Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and other races.

For the past week, racing at Gulfstream Park, like other active racetracks, has been before crowd-less grandstands, mostly limited to horsemen, racing officials, and certain track employees. 

Keeneland Explores Additional Race Days

In a letter from Keeneland's president and CEO published March 20, Bill Thomason said the track is working with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and other partners on the Kentucky circuit to "explore opportunities for additional Keeneland race days during this non-traditional year for our industry."

On March 16, Keeneland announced the cancellation of its April 2-24 spring meet over concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This past Monday, March 16, we found ourselves at a critical moment," he wrote. "The Federal Government issued a recommendation limiting gatherings over 10 people, just as horsemen from across the country were making preparations to ship to Keeneland. Many of these individuals were traveling from areas defined as "hot spots" for the virus. This convergence of participants from various states, as well as the inability to comply with social distancing within our dormitories and backstretch, put the health and safety of our horsemen and participants in great jeopardy. In compliance with recommendations from government and health officials, we canceled our meet.

"When it is safe to do so, and in concert with community and health officials, we look forward to conducting world-class racing with the full participation of our horsemen, stakeholders, and fans. Keeneland applauds the efforts of the KHRC at their March 19 meeting to convene the Racing Dates Committee to examine these possibilities, and we look forward to these continued conversations."

Gov. Hogan Halts Racing at Laurel Park

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association also announced March 20 that Laurel Park will pause live racing.

"Because of orders from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, live racing at Laurel Park has been canceled until further notice because of the COVID-19 crisis," the group announced in a statement. 

Maryland is the latest state to discontinue Thoroughbred racing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Racing was suspended at New York Racing Association tracks Thursday.

The Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Laurel Park and other tracks in the state, issued a statement March 20 after Hogan's orders.

"In accordance with the Maryland Governor’s Executive Orders and as part of the continuing effort to protect the health and safety of essential personnel and the horses they care for, the Maryland Jockey Club will temporarily pause live racing at Laurel Park and Rosecroft Raceway," the statement read. "Our top priority is the well-being of every person and every horse in our community, and we look forward to resuming when the state and federal leaders and health authorities deem it appropriate to do so."

Racing Continues at Fair Grounds; Emergency Order Passed

A March 20 meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission via teleconference yielded passage of an emergency order, largely protecting horsemen's rights in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting did not address a stoppage of racing, which remains ongoing at Fair Grounds before crowds limited to horsemen, racing officials, and some track employees.

The new regulation, effective immediately and spanning 30 days, allows horsemen and horses to shelter in place without threat of eviction; orders adequate access to tracks and exercise facilities at least every other day; allows for the customary movement of horsemen in accordance with meet and training schedules, regardless of whether a meet is underway; and implements the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's recommendations in response to COVID-19 that were issued March 18.

In sometimes heated debate during the meeting, some of the challenges affecting racetracks in the state were discussed, including attempts to properly distance backstretch workers and residents to prevent the risk of infection. 

As Fair Grounds nears the scheduled close of its meet March 29, a racetrack representative suggested the transfer of 600 or more Louisiana-bred horses from its premises to other tracks and training facilities to better allow the track to comply with the guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Another track representative balked at this proposal, fearing too many horses and their caretakers coming to their track would simply transfer problems and strain safety initiatives.

Mindy Coleman, counsel for the Jockeys' Guild, emphasized to racetrack officials and commissioners the importance of social distancing and providing adequate safety for riders. Jockeys and their valets typically are in close quarters in the jockeys' room between races at racetracks across the country.

Fair Grounds hosts its biggest day of racing March 21, topped by its richest race, the $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2).

COVID-19 Halts Racing in Ohio 

The Ohio State Racing Commission announced Friday that horse racing at all Ohio racetracks is canceled from March 20-27 and that the OSRC will be in contact with permit holders and horsemen to discuss further cancellations if needed.

Racetrack backsides will remain open, and the racetrack is to be maintained and made available for training. 

Canterbury Park Delays Stable Area Opening

Officials at Canterbury Park have announced a decision to postpone the opening of the Shakopee, Minn., racetrack's horse stabling area until at least May 1 in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delay also includes access to the main racetrack and other equine training facilities as well as dormitories for racing personnel. Canterbury's stable area was originally scheduled to open April 24.

"We are doing our best to establish strong communication channels and create some certainty for horsemen in what are very uncertain times," vice president of racing operations Andrew Offerman said. "We hope May 1 is possible, but this situation is changing daily."

Canterbury Park is scheduled to race 65 days from May 15 through Sept. 12.

"While we are hoping to keep our original racing schedule, we acknowledge that is becoming increasingly unlikely," Offerman said. "We will continue to have dialogue with our horsemen and consult with the Minnesota Racing Commission. Over the next two weeks, we must determine what is in the best interests of our horsemen, horses, and employees wishing to race and work at Canterbury Park this summer."

On Monday, company officials, based on the advice of state and regulatory bodies, temporarily suspended all card casino, simulcast, and special events operations. 

Stall applications will now be due April 3. Nomination payments to stakes races will remain on the originally announced dates.

Lone Star Park Postpones Opening of Stable Area

In compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott's order to limit gatherings of more than 10 people, and in consultation with the Texas Racing Commission, Lone Star Park announced it will not allow horses to enter the stable area.

The temporary postponement was to take effect Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET and go through April 3. At that time, track officials will reevaluate the situation based on available information, consultation with health officials, and additional direction from Abbott.

Live racing was slated to begin April 16.

"We believe the process of accepting horses at the track may make it more difficult for trainers, jockeys, and other staff to practice social distancing compared to their daily routines to prepare for each race day," the track release said.

Indiana Grand Postpones Meet

In consultation with the Indiana Racing Commission, Indiana Grand announced an indefinite postponement to its meet. The announcement was made in tandem with Hoosier Park, a harness track in Indiana. All on-site racing operations are suspended, and horsemen will have 14 days to vacate the facilities, the two tracks stated.

Indiana Grand had been scheduled to begin its meet April 14.

Tampa Bay Cancels Florida Cup Series

The Florida Cup, a series of six $110,000 stakes for registered Florida-breds at Tampa Bay Downs, has been canceled. The event had been scheduled for March 29. The Tampa Bay Downs racing office reported 111 nominations by the March 14 deadline.

Peter Berube, the track's vice president and general manager, said a portion of the $660,000 Florida Cup purse money will be allocated to the track's overnight purse account, enabling Tampa Bay Downs to continue its 2019-20 meeting beyond next week as circumstances allow.

The South Florida track began racing without fans Wednesday.

"It's a huge blow to everyone to have to cancel one of the biggest days on our racing calendar," Berube said. "At the same time, we are committed to keeping the track free of spectators at least through that date, and the social aspect of Florida Cup Day, which includes a buffet luncheon for horsemen and their families under the picnic pavilion tent, has always been an important part of the day.

"The silver lining is this gives us an opportunity to help our horsemen continue racing. We will work closely with them, the breeders and owners, and our stakes sponsors to make the 2021 Florida Cup memorable and exciting for all."