COVID-19 Causes Cancellation of 2020 MATCH Series
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Photo: Coady Photography
The Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships Series has been canceled for 2020 following an April 7 meeting of MATCH series partners, organizers announced April 8. The cancellation was prompted by the ongoing uncertainty of racing schedules and concerns about available purse money in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MATCH series, which has established itself as a popular part of the Mid-Atlantic racing calendar, was set to debut Wednesday for its third straight season with a split schedule at Laurel Park and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. But live racing in the region is on hold for the foreseeable future, and with the May series stakes races scheduled for Preakness Stakes (G1) weekend at Pimlico Race Course at risk of changes, the decision for cancellation was made.
"Obviously, we are all disappointed, but it was the right thing to do", said MATCH series creator and Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chairman Alan Foreman. "No one wanted to compromise the quality of the event and the brand we are building. MATCH is a luxury, and the monies contributed by the horsemen's organizations, racetracks, and breeders organizations to support the series can be better used for the benefit of day-to-day racing when live racing returns. We have the template ready to go for 2021 and will be back bigger and better than ever."
Alan Foreman, MATCH series creator and Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chairman
Organizers indicated they hope the series can return in 2021. The MATCH series is a regional racing program of stakes that also includes bonuses for participating owners and trainers who compete over a seven-month span.
The series partners include a variety of Mid-Atlantic horsemen's organizations, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Colonial Downs, Delaware Park, the Maryland Jockey Club (Laurel Park and Pimlico), Monmouth Park, Parx Racing, and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.