COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of discussion and reporting on how quarantine, shutdowns, safety protocols and the shift in the sales calendar has affected trainers, backstretch workers, owners and sales companies. However, very little has been said about how it affects the breeders, who are the backbone of the Thoroughbred industry. Only one 2-year-old sale, the OBS March Sale, has been held so far this year with many of the other juvenile sales being postponed or even canceled. Fasig-Tipton has combined their July, Saratoga and New...

Woodbine has been given approval to race without spectators as part of Stage 1 of the Ontario government's framework to gradually reopen the Province. Stage 1 is scheduled to start May 19. "This is great news for the sport of horse racing and the tens of thousands of people it employs throughout the Province," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "With this news, our plans to resume Standardbred racing at Mohawk Park on June 5 and Thoroughbred racing on June 6 at Woodbine remain on track. We appreciate the government's...

The Breeders' Cup debuted branded face masks Thursday, currently available for pre-order at  BreedersCupShop.com. The masks feature the brand's signature horsehead profile printed with its traditional purple background. All proceeds will be donated to Breeders' Cup Charities for COVID-19 relief efforts. One face mask can be pre-ordered for $15 or a pack of three masks for $25, and each purchase will arrive with disposable filters. Each reusable face mask features an elastic band and an interior pouch for anti-dust filters. "As the world continues to adapt to the new normal,...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. has partnered with Northwell Health to secure important COVID-19 antibody testing for NYRA employees and backstretch workers at Belmont Park. "We would like to thank Northwell Health for their commitment to expanding the availability of antibody testing across New York and right here at Belmont Park," said NYRA CEO and President Dave O'Rourke. "This broad testing program will provide additional insight allowing us to to more fully understand how COVID-19 has impacted our community. Going forward, this is a positive step in NYRA's overall...

The minimum prize money amounts allowed under the Rules of Racing for the first 10 weeks of British racing have been published, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Thursday. After a £15.7 million contribution from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), racing's leaders have agreed to minimum values which will exceed, on average, 80% of the previously permitted minimum levels, with an emphasis of supporting prize money levels at the middle and grassroots level of the sport to retain as many owners and horses-in-training as possible. Group 1 Flat races...

Tattersalls and Goffs have agreed to a set of safety protocols to be utilised on farms during upcoming yearlings inspections, the two sales companies announced in a joint statement on Thursday. These inspections will begin on May 18, as a phased return of outdoor workers will then be allowed by the British and Irish governments as the coronavirus restrictions ease. These safety protocols will be closely followed by both companies' inspection teams and comply with all government guidance related to social distancing, hand sanitation, and the wearing of appropriate PPE...

The Italian Classics have been provisionally scheduled and close on May 14 at noon, Jour de Galop reported on Wednesday. The €154,000 G3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas) and €154,000 G3 Premio Regina Elena (Italian 1000 Guineas) are slated for Sunday, June 7. The €704,000 G2 Derby Italiano will be held on June 21 and the €407,000 G2 Premio Oaks d'Italia seven days later on June 28. An actual date for the resumption of Italian racing has not been given, although the date of May 19 has been discussed, as...

Following the cancellation of the ninth Welfare and Safety of the June 20 Racehorse Summit in Lexington, Kentucky, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation kicked off an educational series of weekly webinars Tuesday afternoon. Presented by Dr. Katherine Garrett, shareholder at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, the initial segment on equine health and safety featured 'Fetlock Injuries: Palmar metacarpal disease and how the various imaging modalities can be used to help diagnose it.' During the course of the 45-minute lecture, which was followed by a short...

Few felt the jarring absence of the GI Kentucky Derby, or indeed any racing at all, on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs more acutely than a Louisville native. Add to that being a horseman who relies on the track's customary spring/summer meet to make your living, throw in having a Derby hopeful in your barn to boot, and one can understand why longtime Churchill-based trainer Greg Foley was so excited to be back home this week, with racing set to resume Saturday beneath the Twin Spires. "It's...

While still awaiting word from Gov. Andrew Cuomo regarding when it can resume racing, NYRA has submitted a comprehensive plan to the state and the New York Gaming Commission outlining the steps it is taking to maintain a safe environment for those who must be on hand to conduct racing. The timetable for a resumption of racing at Belmont Park may also hinge on a region-by-region approach to opening the state announced by Cuomo Monday. The Governor's office has divided the state into 10 regions and said each one can...

The Kentucky Derby Museum is donating over $10,000 to support COVID-19 relief efforts in the state after the success of its Collect to Contribute campaign. The Kentucky Derby Museum closed to in-person visitors mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.  During the shutdown, the Museum's Collect to Contribute online retail campaign sold collectible Derby 146 merchandise branded with the original Kentucky Derby date of May 2, 2020. The Museum pledged to donate 20% of the profits to Governor Andy Beshear's Team Kentucky Fund and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer's One Louisville: COVID-19...

Santa Anita has sent a text to local horsemen confirming that it will take entries Tuesday for the Friday, May 15 card. Due to the coronavirus, Santa Anita has been closed for racing since Mar. 27. Earlier this month, track officials announced their plans to reopen on the 15th and issued a new condition book and stakes schedule. The state has begun to lift restrictions on some businesses, including parks and golf courses and the county's "Safer-at-Home" order is set to expire Friday. But the track has yet to be...