Indiana Commission Targets June 14 for Return of Racing

Spectatorless racing has been cleared to begin June 14 in Indiana, according to the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

The commission and racetrack management in the state have been working in conjunction with the governor's office and has issued a timeline to outline those changes. In addition, Indiana racetracks have a reopening plan that includes additional protocols and procedures that all participants will be asked to abide by to ensure everyone's health and safety as these stages are rolled out.

There has been no racing in Indiana this year due to COVID-19. Indiana Grand, which runs Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in the state, was originally scheduled to open April 14 and continue its meet until Nov. 18. 

Under the timeline in place by the IHRC, which is subject to change, essential travel restrictions are to be lifted May 11. At that time, horses currently located in Indiana, such as at farms, will be allowed to begin moving onto the backside of state racetracks. This applies only to those trainers with horses currently located in-state.

On May 24 horses originating from out-of-state are allowed onto Indiana track backstretches.

Racing then is scheduled to commence without spectators June 14 with July 4 anticipated as a date in which pari-mutuel racing and county and state fair racing could begin with spectators should there be no change in the Indiana Gov. Holcomb's "Back on Track Indiana" road map. That plan relies on guiding principles to determine the easing of restrictions.

"Our industry leaders, from racetrack management, horsemen associations and IHRC staff have been working diligently to advocate for our racing industry to get us to this point," said IHRC executive director Deena Pitman. "We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding as we move forward and navigate through this reopening process."