Pandemic impact: Will COVID affect racing in the near future?
When most other sports shut down in March of 2020 with the beginning of the COVID pandemic, horse racing was quick to return, becoming the only game in town for many bettors. Since then, fans have been welcomed back to tracks, and for most of 2021, things have been business as usual with other sports also returning to normal.
But the rise of the delta and omicron COVID variants have thrown the rest of the sports world into flux, with the National Hockey League pausing its season and other leagues dealing with problems as well. Meanwhile, the racing world has not announced any plans for further fan restrictions or other pandemic-related precautions.
“We have made no changes to our current protocols,” Fair Grounds racing director Jason Boulet told Horse Racing Nation.
According to the New Orleans track’s website, patrons are required to show proof of at least one dose of a vaccine or a negative COVID test result from the previous 72 hours to enter. The site states that the requirement comes from the city of New Orleans.
The city’s website noted that a mask mandate for Orleans parish has been lifted currently, but the vaccine or negative test requirement for indoor venues and outdoor events where more than 500 people are expected still stands. The Fair Grounds website still listed masks as required unless food or beverage is being consumed.
In New York, COVID has ravaged the city in recent days, with local leaders reported mulling over restrictions to Times Square celebrations on New Year’s Eve. But tracks in the state plan to remain open to fans, barring changes to the city’s protocols, according to a statement provided by NYRA’s senior director of communications Patrick McKenna.
“As has been the case since the earliest days of the pandemic, NYRA will adhere to the most up to date guidance from state and local health departments to ensure the safety of fans, employees and the racing community at large,” the statement reads. “As such, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack must demonstrate proof of vaccination. Additionally, NYRA will review all health and safety protocols prior to the resumption of live racing on December 30.”
On the West Coast, Santa Anita is scheduled for its traditional opening day on Sunday. The track still plans on allowing fans.
Santa Anita general manager Nate Newby spoke to HRN to discuss the challenges of opening day, particularly the rain forecast this week. He said fans will have to show proof of vaccinations or a negative test within 72 hours of the event.
Related: With storms coming, Santa Anita looks 'OK' for opening day
“Los Angeles County calls those ‘mega-events.’ It’s very similar to the Rams, Chargers, USC, Dodgers – we all fall under the same rules – and opening day will definitely fall under that category,” Newby said. “Ticket sales are already really strong. We’re sold out in the restaurants, box seats, the suites, things like that. So we know we’re going to have a pretty strong day, and we’ll follow those guidelines.”
Representatives for Oaklawn, Gulfstream and Laurel Park did not return requests for comment regarding plans for possible further COVID precautions.
The Oaklawn website requests that patrons social distance as needed, and noted that masks are not required, but are encouraged for non-vaccinated fans. Gulfstream does require masks for fans, as does Laurel Park.
Victor Ryan and Carolyn Greer contributed to this report.