Coronavirus

The Longines Irish Champions Weekend, held Sept. 12-13, will take place behind closed doors, the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Committee confirmed on Wednesday. The committee's recommendation, which was made as the COVID-19 pandemic continues,  was approved by the Board of Horse Racing Ireland at their July meeting on Monday, July 20. The Sept. 12 card at Leopardstown features the G1 Irish Champion S., and G1 Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron S. The Curragh plays host on the second day, with four Group 1 races on tap: the Comer Group International Irish...

Newmarket's National Horse Racing Museum (NHRM) has a new name and a new look ahead of its reopening to the public on Tuesday, July 28. The museum, situated in the centre of the town just off the high street, has been closed for four months during the coronavirus pandemic. One-way systems and social-distancing measures are in place to ensure that visitors can return safely to the venue which is also home to a number of high-profile retired racehorses who reside in the Rothschild Yard. "Not only does the museum present...

Throughout the sport, the coronavirus has meant adjustments, For most jockeys, that includes no longer being able to use the "hot box" to take off weight. For several racetracks and racing departments, that has meant a concession to the jockeys in the form of raising the scale of weights. But will these temporary solutions become permanent when life returns to normal and might eliminating the saunas in jockeys' quarters ultimately prove to be a solution that helps riders stay healthy? These are questions already being discussed. The saunas, which many...

Colonial Downs Group, a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, announced it will alter course from hosting limited spectators to a "spectator-free" racing program for the 2020 race meet, which kicks off July 27. As a result of the pandemic, the decision was made at the request of the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) and the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. According to Colonial Downs officials, the changes are intended to focus additional care on key operating areas, including jockeys' quarters, paddock supervision, the racing office and stable area. The 2020...

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors for Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) have postponed the upcoming "Monster Bash" Masquerade Ball, an annual fundraising event which was scheduled to be held at Limestone Hall in Lexington Oct. 30. Also, a date for the charities' annual online auction has yet to be determined but will be conducted this season. "Creativity is the key word in fundraising this year," states Julie Berry, Executive Director. "We began our 'Gallop and Graze' campaign for the next six months to raise...

Britain will ease its attendance restrictions slightly beginning on July 28 to allow more owners to go racing. Owners are currently limited to two per horse and they may only attend for their race. Exact numbers going forward will be determined by each racecourse depending on its capacity and limits on gatherings set by the UK and local governments. The restrictions on arrival and departure times will be removed, however owners are advised to arrive 45 minutes prior to their first declared runner to allow time for health screening. From...

With $900 in fines issued last Friday alone, the Canterbury Park stewards are backing up a new Minnesota Racing Commission ultimatum warning that licensees will pay the price for not adhering to newly strengthened protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Six grooms were docked $100 each July 17 for not wearing a wristband that signifies they passed a required health screening. Three jockeys had their wallets lightened by the same amount for not properly wearing protective masks during the July 14 program: Julio Felix and Roimes Chirinos for removing...

Ger Lyons is increasingly hopeful Colin Keane will opt to maintain his partnership with Siskin (First Defence) in the G1 Qatar Sussex S. at Goodwood on Wednesday week--with Frankie Dettori "waiting in the wings" should he opt to stay in Ireland. Former Irish champion Keane has ridden the unbeaten G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas hero in all his career starts, but current rules in Ireland surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic mean he would have to spend 14 days in quarantine on his return home, should he travel to Goodwood. Lyons, who...

When Victor Espinoza rolled through the gates of Los Alamitos racecourse on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4, he did so anticipating a quick in-and-out with few disruptions. The Triple Crown-winning jockey had two mounts, in the eighth and ninth races, neither of them hot fancies. Approaching the jocks' room, however, Espinoza paused. "There wasn't enough room for all of us," said Espinoza of the room's quarters, which had been split between Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred riders. "We were stacked in there like sardines." Events from that afternoon have played...

Luis Saez will be cleared to ride at Saratoga Friday pending the completion of a 14-day quarantine period, a negative COVID-19 test and clearance from a physician noting that he can no longer transmit the virus, the New York Racing Association announced Sunday. Saez tested positive for COVID-19 July 10 while riding at Keeneland Race Course. He has remained asymptomatic throughout the period of quarantine, which will total 14-days July 24. Current Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) guidance recommends a 10-day quarantine period for individuals who have tested positive for...

Monmouth Park set a track record for handle for a non-Breeders' Cup day when bettors wagered a total of $20,479,392 on Saturday's 14-race GI TVG.com Haskell S. day card. The record handle was achieved despite restrictions for on-track attendance due to COVID-19 guidelines. The overall handle from all sources surpassed the previous non-Breeders' Cup record of $20,024,509 set on Haskell Day on Aug. 2, 2015. It is only the second $20-million handle for a non-Breeders' Cup program in Monmouth Park's 75-year history. Authentic (Into Mischief)'s nose victory over Ny Traffic...

Racing at Lone Star Park, which was suspended July 5 after an employee in racing operations tested positive for COVID-19, will resume this Sunday, July 19, with strict protocols in place, according to the track's Twitter feed. The protocols provide for live attendance, but fans will be required to wear facemasks, follow social distancing rules and will be subjected to temperature screening. Sunday's nominal feature is a first-level allowance for main-track sprinters and the track has drawn programs through July 22. The Wednesday program, which begins at 1:35 CT, is...