With the planned May 1 opening of their mixed Thorougbred/Quarter Horse meeting indefinitely delayed, officials at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona, Iowa, announced Thursday that layoffs for some 1,130 of its workers began this week as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our focus is to reopen as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows. “The health and well-being of our employees, our guests, the horsemen, and our community remain our utmost priorities as we look to resume our casino and racing operations.”
“It is with great anticipation that we await the start date of our upcoming meet at Prairie Meadows,” said Dave McShane, President of the Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. “Our members and fellow horsemen will be ready when racing is permitted to run,” McShane added.
Tom Lepic, President of the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association added “I'm looking forward to finalizing details of the 2020 racing season soon. The mixed meet is a win-win for both breeds, and we are working closely with the Thoroughbred community and Prairie Meadows to bring it to fruition.”
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