Limited Owner Access for Racing Granted at Del Mar

Beginning July 31, up to two licensed owners per entered horse can attend the races at Del Mar, where racing is ongoing without fans, Thoroughbred Owners of California said in a release. 

Prior to this week, owners had not been permitted for afternoon racing under strict COVID-19 health protocols and only allowed morning workout access. The first-come, first-serve seating in the afternoons will be located in the same area as in the morning, in the clubhouse box seating.

Owners are required to email Mary Forney, executive director of TOC,  to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If a horse has more than two owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available. 

To enter Del mar, owners must show their license and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners should enter through the same area they have been using in the morning, adjacent to the clubhouse entrance.

Owners are required to be on the reservation list, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a full COVID-19 health screening, including a temperature check. Masks are required to be worn at all times, and social distancing guidelines must be respected.

Owners are required to remain in the clubhouse seating area the entire time and may not enter the paddock or the winner's circle. Owners are still not permitted to access the backstretch. Any violation of this strict policy will result in a forfeiture of racetrack privileges.

"We appreciate that owners have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and creating a safe environment for all horsemen in the morning," said TOC chairman Nick Alexander. "Because that has been successful, we are now able to watch our horses in the afternoon. We recognize owners have been attending races in Northern California, Kentucky, and New York, and for some it has been frustrating having limited access to watch our Thoroughbreds race in Southern California. Please continue to respect the new rules and guidelines so we can hopefully safely allow more members to attend the races."