Meydan's 'Super Saturday' the latest sporting event to bar spectators

The second-biggest night of the Dubai Racing Carnival, this weekend’s "Super Saturday" program at Meydan, will be conducted without spectators due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition to Meydan, the Emirates Racing Association announced this week’s race meetings at Al Ain Race Course, Jebel Ali Race Course and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will all be conducted behind closed doors.

“In accordance with public safety measures pertaining to the proliferation of COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease, Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) will conduct the meets...without attendees. Though without spectators, all races will be contested and regulated in a standard fashion and results will be accorded in an official capacity. The horse connections, sponsors and media personnel will only be allowed to attend the races.”

The Super Saturday card at Meydan is traditionally used as a stepping stone to Dubai World Cup night for horses and their connections and also acts as a “dress rehearsal” for track officials. The program features six group stakes including a pair of Grade 1s, the $400,000 Jebel Hatta at nine furlongs on the turf and the $600,000 Maktoum Challenge Round 3 for Dubai World Cup hopefuls. 

The Racing Post reported Thursday the United Arab Emirates has 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The ERA provided no further guidance on possible restrictions beyond this week, so the potential impact on Dubai World Cup day remains unknown.

The UAE is just the latest racing jurisdiction to ban spectators. Customers are also barred from attending the races in Japan, and at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, a partial ban is in place. The government of France has also banned all events with attendance of more than 5,000. In Italy, it was announced this week fans would not be allowed to attend Serie A professional soccer matches as a result of coronavirus.

As for the U.S., there are currently no restrictions on crowds attending horse races or other sporting events, though the situation is being closely monitored. Earlier this week, officials for Churchill Downs -- home of the Kentucky Derby -- told investors coronavirus was “unlikely” to impact the first Saturday in May. 

Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstand said the company would be taking note of how other events handled coronavirus concerns in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby.

“I think it’s a fair question to worry about,” Carstanjen said. “But from our calculus and how we think about it, I am not sure I see a path where that impacts our attendance.”