Keeneland announces spring meet will open without spectators, but for how long?
Keeneland announced it will open on April 2 and run without spectators, at least for the first two weeks.
“The health and safety of Keeneland’s fans, horsemen, athletes and staff are at the forefront of every decision our leadership makes about our racing, sales and hospitality operations,” according to the statement.
A limited number of credentials will be provided to those directly connected to horses running at Keeneland, the track said.
After April 15, the track will consider opening to spectators.
“This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution to protect the fans, staff and horsemen that make up the Keeneland community,” the track said. “Our goal is to showcase the best of Thoroughbred racing in a safe and transparent environment for everyone involved.”
The track also canceled the Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale scheduled for April 7.
Patrons who purchased tickets for racing dates between April 2-11 will automatically receive a full refund on those purchases, the track said. Patrons who have already purchased tickets for racing dates between April 15-24 have the option to request a full refund.
“While our horsemen and fans are certainly disappointed about us having to take these measures, it is critical to protect the health and safety of our patrons, employees and participants from the spread of COVID-19,” said Keeneland president and CEO Bill Thomason. “We take our responsibility to the community and the horse industry seriously and we will continue to work in partnership with government authorities.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Churchill Downs Inc. announced that the Jeff Ruby Steaks scheduled for Saturday at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky would be run without spectators as well.
Churchill Downs said a decision about the Kentucky Derby, which is held on the first Saturday in May at the Louisville track, will be made in coming weeks.
Aqueduct in New York and Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields in California also announced they will hold racing without fans.
The news in horseracing comes after the Kentucky High School Athletic Association halted the girls’ high school basketball tournament on Thursday and announced the boys’ tournament will not take place next weekend either.
