Coronavirus: Santa Anita among top tracks racing on without fans

In response to a policy from California Gov. Gavin Newsom requesting cancellation of events involving 250 or more people, The Stronach Group, which operates Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, plans to close racing to the public at those two venues, effective Thursday.

Santa Anita, in Arcadia, and Golden Gate in Albany, will continue racing as scheduled with only licensed personnel allowed on site in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

The Stronach Group's announcement preceded similar decisions made across the country Thursday, including by the New York Racing Association, Gulfstream Park, Turfway Park and Keeneland, which will open April 2 without spectators.

“We heard Gov. Newsom’s call and we are responding accordingly for the protection of our customers and employees,” said Aidan Butler, acting executive director of California operations for The Stronach Group. “Much like other sports which have chosen to play without spectators, we will race with the personnel necessary to ensure the safety of the horses and the integrity of the sport."

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Globally, races in Hong Kong and Dubai have run in recent weeks without spectators, and that trend will continue on March 28 when the Dubai World Cup (G1) goes without paid attendees in the grandstand.

Of course, races can go on with few people on track, and the proliferation of advanced deposit wagering makes it a show worth continuing. Racing also could benefit from larger wagering pools in the coming days with the NBA suspending play and other major sporting events, such as the NCAA college basketball tournament, canceling.

Santa Anita will card races Saturday, including the Beholder Mile (G1), and Sunday, though rain in the forecast could further complicate the situation in Southern California.

One notable exception to the no-spectators trend was Oaklawn Park, which indicated Thursday morning in a statement that it will race on with spectators, citing enhanced sanitary protocols. By Thursday evening, however, the Hot Springs, Ark., track reversed course to continue racing without an on-track crowd as it on Saturday hosts a stakes-packed card led by the Rebel (G2) for Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

A news release from The Stronach Group stressed that in California, this remains a "fluid situation" and that continuing to race without the public present "will be evaluated on a daily basis on the advice of governmental and health authorities."

Gov. Newsom included stadium areas and outdoor events among his list of locations where events should be canceled. He said smaller gatherings can proceed but that organizers should implement social distancing of six feet per person.

"Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or more people you know,” Newsom said in a statement. “That’s the choice before us. Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease. Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now.

"The people in our lives who are most at risk – seniors and those with underlying health conditions — are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”