Louisiana Downs Opens to Spectators

Louisiana has progressed to Phase 2 in its management of the COVID-19 outbreak, which will allow spectators at Harrah's Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack for the Thoroughbred meet that begins June 6.

The track's onsite casino was opened May 18 but restrictions remained in place that prohibited attendance for live racing and simulcast wagering.

Patrons will be required to enter via a specially marked designated entrance and temperature checks will be conducted. Face masks are not required but are recommended. Only trainers, grooms, and jockeys will be permitted in the saddling paddock and no more than six individuals will be allowed in the winner's circle following each race, based on social distancing recommendations. Further information can be found on the Harrah's Louisiana Downs website.

"We have been in daily communication with the governor's office and were hopeful that we would be able to welcome racing fans to Harrah's Louisiana Downs," said David Heitzmann, director of racing. "Our opening-day card drew very well, and we look forward to a very successful kick off to our 2020 Thoroughbred racing season."

The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through Sept. 23. Post time will be 3:05 p.m. CT.

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an executive order late June 4 with guidance being issued to individual industries and businesses via the OpenSafely.la.gov website. In Phase 2, churches, places of worship, and many more businesses will be able to operate at 50% capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees, and increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter.

The governor was advised by public health experts that Louisiana has seen decreasing reports of COVID-like illness, decreasing new case counts especially as a percentage of tests administered, and decreasing hospitalizations in almost every area of the state. A few areas of concern still exist, but through contact tracing and frequent testing, the state is able to quickly track increases and work to prevent large outbreaks.

Another Thoroughbred track in the state, Evangeline Downs, begins their meet the evening of June 5 and will also be able to race with spectators, Daily Racing Form reported.