As the Coronavirus pandemic recovery slowly moves forward, thoroughbred racing does as well. Racetracks across the United States are gradually reopening with a host of restrictions. The most significant restriction is no spectators, including owners cannot attend the races. While disappointing, the ban will be lifted eventually and a “day at the races” will be a welcome respite.
Racing is currently underway at Belmont Park (New York), Churchill Downs (Kentucky), Santa Anita Park (California), Gulfstream Park (Florida), Woodbine (Toronto, Canada) and Laurel Park (Maryland).
At the conclusion of the Belmont Park Meet on July 12, Saratoga Racetrack is scheduled to open for its annual eight week Meet. The current plan is to open on July 16 and race without fans.
In addition to racing, various training facilities are operating which is allowing our 2 year old horses to continue their development. Currently, most of our two year olds are split between Payson Park Training Center in Florida and Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. As restrictions at the racetracks loosen, we will transfer the 2 year olds to Belmont, Saratoga (when it opens), Santa Anita and Churchill Downs to begin their racing careers.
Our first two starters post pandemic are Chasenbryn on Sunday (June 7) and Chestertown on Thursday (June 11), both at Belmont Park. Chasenbryn is coming off a win at Laurel Park in February and will be racing on the turf for the first time. Chestertown is coming off an eighth place finish in the Louisiana Derby and will be facing New York Bred horses going 1 1/16 miles on the dirt.
Chasenbryn
Chestertown
Off to the races!