Coronavirus Fallout: NYTB Cancels New York-Bred Awards Banquet; ARCI Cancels Conference; Freehold Suspends Racing

[Wandering Eyes]

As fallout continues from the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. has cancelled the organization’s New York-Bred Divisional Champions Awards Banquet due to concerns about the pandemic. The event was originally scheduled to take place the evening of Monday, Apr. 6, 2020 at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, New York.

“Our decision was prompted by recent guidance from federal and state authorities about limiting large gatherings, recommendations for ‘social distancing,’ and concern for all members of our community,” said the NYTB in a statement. “Historically this a convivial, sold-out event. Guests gather from up and down the east coast and beyond. Prospective attendees and honorees have already expressed concerns about travel during the pandemic. We realize that this cancellation is a disappointment, especially for the connections of our divisional championship nominees. These are, however, extraordinary circumstances and the need to protect all members of our community is paramount.”

NYTB will publicly announce the 2019 Horse of the Year, divisional winners and human honorees Apr. 6 as planned. The program and video presentation for the event are currently in production. After Apr. 6, the NYTB will mail the commemorative program to all of its members and release the video presentation on ots website and social media channels.

In addition, the Association of Racing Commissioners International announced that its 2020 Annual Racing Integrity and Equine Welfare Conference, scheduled for Apr. 7-10 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is being cancelled as a result of the public health concerns associated with the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

Freehold Raceway, a harness racing track in New Jersey, has suspended racing through at least Mar. 21 after the track was advised that an individual who was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 was in attendance at the track Mar. 7. The individual has not tested positive for the illness but continues to be monitored. Freehold’s decision comes two days after Yonkers Raceway canceled racing in response to the death of Standardbred Owners of New York Director John Brennan due to coronavirus.

In a statement, Freehold said, “In the interest and health of our guests, horsemen/horsewomen and employees, we have made the decision to close all operations at Freehold Raceway until all areas of our racing and grandstand buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Live racing scheduled for Mar. 13-14 and Mar. 20-21 will be canceled and no simulcasting will be conducted. All employees, and any other individuals who were in the Freehold racing areas Mar. 7 are being requested to self-quarantine. Freehold Raceway has been in communication with local health officials regarding this situation and will continue to communicate updates as needed.”

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