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BloodHorse
NEWS ALERT
Beshear Authorizes Spectatorless Racing in Kentucky
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said April 29
that he has authorized the return of spectatorless racing
as part of the first phase of the several business openings in the state that begins May 11.

"We were able to come to an agreement yesterday, specifically with the group that's going to start, Churchill Downs," Beshear said of the plan to resume racing in Kentucky. "They are going to start accepting horses and start accepting folks on the backside of the track on May 11. There will be no fans for racing."

Shortly after Beshear's briefing, Churchill Downs confirmed its intention to reopen its stable areas at both Churchill Downs racetrack and the auxiliary training center, Trackside, May 11 under strict guidelines to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Churchill Downs' stable areas have been closed since Dec. 31 for annual winter renovations and were originally scheduled to reopen March 17. The start of the 2020 spring meet was originally scheduled for April 25.

"The stable areas will reopen under a phased, systematic approach," read a release from the Louisville track. "Opening day of the 2020 spring meet with spectator-free racing will be communicated in the coming days after track officials evaluate its incoming horse population and load-in procedures."

There will be a phased, systematic, and controlled return of horses and their personnel to the stable areas starting May 11 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (all times ET).

Horses stabled at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots may return May 11-13. Horses located at Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and at Florida training centers are allowed to ship in May 14-16.

Horses based at Oaklawn Park are cleared to arrive May 17-19. Horses from other locales will be permitted May 20.

Racing at Churchill Downs during the spring meet will be conducted spectator-free "until government officials approve fans returning to the historic track," Churchill officials said in their release.

When racing returns to Churchill Downs, it will be staged at a minimum of four days per week, Thursday through Sunday. A daily post time for the first race has not been finalized. A revised stakes schedule and condition book for the schedule of races also will be issued in the coming days.



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