Back to the track

Horse racing is set to resume in Indiana and California after officials gave the green light for certain facilities to host races without spectators.

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has announced racing can begin on June 14. In California, the Thoroughbred Owners of California revealed the Alameda County Health Department approved the Golden Gate Fields facility to begin racing on May 14.

restrictions will be in place to protect everyone involved

Tracks across the US look to resume races as individual states begin their phases of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approvals are given by regulators, but restrictions will be in place to protect everyone involved.

Resuming without spectators

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission and racetrack management have been working with the governor’s office to start races once again. To be ready by June 14, tracks must adhere to protocols and procedures to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. Races will take place without spectators to avoid large crowds assembling at racetracks.

Vice president and general manager of racing, Eric Halstrom, stated that this is a significant step to starting the racing season this year.

Halstrom said: “Our racing department has been working on new plans for the meet including a new calendar and revised stakes schedule. We will announce those changes in the next week.”

Full training at Indiana Grand will resume May 13. By May 24, out-of-state horses can travel to Indiana tracks.

Live horse racing in California

Public health officials in Alameda County provided provisional approval for Golden Gate Fields to resume live horse racing. The track suspended racing temporarily on April 2 due to the pandemic. Racing will start again without spectators. County officials are currently finalizing additional protocols. The schedule of races is also in the works.

appreciative of the cooperation received from the health officials in Alameda County

According to the track, which is operated by The Stronach Group, there are no known cases of the virus at the facility. The executive director of California racing operations for Stronach, Aidan Butler, stated the company is appreciative of the cooperation received from the health officials in Alameda County to protect citizens and provide the track with the opportunity to continue with live racing.

Massachusetts decides to wait

While Indiana and California are getting back to racing, in contrast, other states have decided to wait. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted 5 to 0 to extend the suspension of harness racing at Plainridge Park Casino indefinitely. Originally, the plan was to get the track operational by June 1.

Officials representing the racing industry and the track told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that it is unrealistic to consider reopening by June 1 due to the governor extending the stay-at-home order to May 18. After this date, officials will create a plan for the harness track to reopen.