Lone Star Park Suspends Racing Due to COVID-19 Concerns
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Horses train at Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, announced via Twitter July 5 that it will suspend all racing until further notice.
"Due to an abundance of caution, all racing operations at Lone Star Park have been suspended due to #COVID19," the tweet read. "Racing will resume at a date to be determined."
The first race went off as scheduled Sunday afternoon, but the card was abruptly canceled ahead of the second race. Track officials were not immediately available for comment Sunday afternoon.
The state of Texas has recently seen a spike in COVID-19 cases, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a statewide face covering mandate July 2 for all counties with 20 or more positive cases.
Lone Star's season kicked off May 22 without spectators and was set to run through Aug. 11. As the state was allowed to reopen, the track announced June 10 that it would allow spectators while following Center for Disease Control protocols, such as temperature checks and social distancing. Face masks were made available and encouraged. That policy was later changed to being required for anyone entering the track.
The face mask policy posted on the Lone Star website reads: "Face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and up at all times, with the only exception being when in the act of eating or drinking. Those who fail to comply will be refused service and will be asked to leave the property."