Coronavirus

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) has launched a survey to assess the immediate impact on the British Thoroughbred breeding industry brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended that the TBA will carry out a further survey of breeders' activities as the situation progresses in order to formulate a strategy to support the British breeding industry.  In the meantime it is seeking respondents to its initial survey, found via this link, by Friday, Apr. 24.

Last week, I was listening to the TDN Podcast. The Green Group Guest of the Week was the very successful trainer and four-time Eclipse winner Chad Brown. One of the panelists asked Chad if he was affected by economically by COVID-19, even though he had relationships with so many significant owners who might be able to weather the storm of uncertainty. Chad's response was that "all trainers are being affected, especially the smaller to midsize ones." That got me thinking. I have seen hundreds of articles and podcasts on the...

After hinting at the prospect last week, Fonner Park has announced its intention to continue racing through the month of May. One of just a handful of tracks currently holding Thoroughbred racing--without spectators--the Nebraska track's meet was scheduled to end Apr. 29. It will seek approval from the Nebraska State Racing Commission for a second meet, which would begin Monday, May 4 and end May 31. "While no spectator racing continues to be conducted at Fonner Park under COVID-19 precaution and prevention guidelines, the continuation of racing is still very...

Arena Racing Company tracks could be at the forefront of a return to racing in Britain when the time comes for the sport to resume following its suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. Any resumption will be behind closed doors on the Flat, but only when Government advice permits, a point British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust has again reiterated. Should there be a heavily quarantined reintroduction, two of Arena's all-weather tracks are likely to have the facilities required to host such a scenario-Lingfield and Newcastle. Martin Cruddace, chief...

Record-breaking trainer Mark Johnston is continuing his recovery after contracting coronavirus. The Middleham handler has been isolating since having symptoms confirmed, but is reported to be making good progress. His son Angus said on Racing TV's Luck on Sunday programme, "He had a couple of days in bed, but was back up yesterday and is starting to move around. He's eager to get back to work, mum is having to put the brakes on him and telling him to keep calm, Charlie [Johnston] is doing an amazing job of running...

by Thoroughbred Idea Foundation For more than two weeks, Home Box Office (HBO) has offered free streaming via the HBO Now and HBO GO platforms for several of its famous titles, "the first time...this type of programming [is] available outside of a paywall throughout the month of April. The service is usually priced at $14.99 per month." Horse racing is not HBO, but the point is obvious. What a better way to get people to try your product than take the most captive audience period in history and give them...

The 2019 Sovereign Awards ceremony was scheduled to take place Apr. 16, but was postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Jockey Club of Canada has now decided to host the event through a virtual presentation no later than May 31. Detailed information, including the date and time, will be announced once they have been confirmed.

It has been a tough couple of months for trainer Tom Amoss, whose father Jim passed away due to the coronovirus earlier this month. Amoss had his own personal scare as he went into quarantine after shaking the hand of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton after a race at Oaklawn Park. Payton announced a few days later, he was positive for the virus. But Amoss remains upbeat as he tries to manage his stable through these difficult times.

Mark Johnston, Britain's winning-most trainer, is self-isolating at home in North Yorkshire after receiving a positive test for coronavirus. The Scotsman told horseracingplanet.com that he began showing symptoms last Tuesday, and received a test on Wednesday after his symptoms had failed to subside. "It started with a cough and I tried to play it down," Johnston said. "I didn't really think I had it but after four days my temperature was off the scale and then I had no choice but to accept it." "I didn't really want any publicity...

Damon Thayer, a former Breeders' Cup executive who is now the majority leader of the Kentucky Senate, continued to beat the drum Thursday for a return of racing in his state. In an interview with the TDN, he said he sees no practical reason why racing, without spectators in the stands, cannot resume within the next few weeks and warned that keeping the tracks closed indefinitely would create serious economic problems for the sport. "Staggering and potentially cataclysmic," he said when asked to predict the impact of racing in Kentucky...

The resurfacing of the track at Dundalk, Ireland's only all-weather track, is proceeding nicely, reported the venue's chief executive Jim Martin. "We said that we would have it done by June 15 and are well on target for that so we can race on July 12," he said. "The month period before starting racing here again will give everyone the chance to have a look and to have trial runs with horses galloping on it. "This is the time of the year to get work done on all-weather tracks. It's...

In a letter to fans and supporters Thursday, Breeders' Cup President & CEO Drew Fleming said the organization remains committed to running this year's World Championships on schedule Nov. 6-7 at Keeneland. "The health and safety of the racing community, including its athletes, fans and workers, has always been Breeders' Cup's top priority. As we collectively navigate this uncharted and difficult time, I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and working with Keeneland, relevant government authorities and public health experts to assess its potential...