Ohio Commission Formally Approves Return of Racing

The Ohio State Racing Commission formally approved a resolution May 14 that clears the way for Thoroughbred tracks Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center and Thistledown to open their backstretches for training as early as May 16 and spectatorless racing by May 22. 

During a May 13 teleconference, commissioners indicated such an announcement was pending. 

Racing in Ohio has been suspended this spring because of COVID-19. Thoroughbred racing last occurred in the state at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course on March 18. Under a directive from the OSRC, horses there were able to remain in training after the meet concluded.

Like many racetracks across the country that were set to begin spring racing, Belterra and Thistledown did not open as scheduled in April.

According to the terms of the resolution, racetracks in the state must follow numerous safety restrictions related to COVID-19. One of those protocols limits attendance to essential track staff and participating horsemen such as trainers and grooms, but not owners. These protocols can be amended by OSRC officials as circumstances dictate.

Although Ohio has imposed restrictions on out-of-state shippers, requiring those horses to leave within 24 hours of arriving in its receiving barn, the state will temporarily allow the flow of horses from Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky to Belterra in Cincinnati, chairman Scott Borgemenke said during a Thursday teleconference.

Some Ohio horsemen base at Turfway Park during the winter and early spring. Training and stabling have been permitted at Turfway by track officials there following the end of its meet in March.

No track representatives spoke during the Thursday OSRC teleconference to indicate the precise start dates of their race meets.