Gambling Today: Horse Racing Tracks Set to Reopen

Gamblers will be happy to learn that the popular sports betting outlet will begin reopening many racetracks around the country this week.

Racing at a select few North American tracks did continue without spectators and under strict protocols. However, more tracks are now joining in on the action. Thoroughbred tracks that continued to race without interruption were Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, who led the way by carrying the load when other tracks were closed by coronavirus fears.

Several popular horse racing locations—Churchill Downs, Charles Town, Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields—will resume running, without fans in the stands and with strict health and safety protocols in place to protect track workers. Charles Town in West Virginia will resume racing on Thursday, May 14, and Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky will open its spring meeting on Saturday, May 16.

Santa Anita, which has not raced since March 22, is planning to resume racing on Friday, May 15 under strict protocols and with no spectators to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Golden Gate Fields, which last raced on March 29, will commence live racing on Thursday, May 14.

Kentucky Derby is reportedly being moved to September 5th, per @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/TGdSD7R7Yg
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 17, 2020

Churchill Downs announced back on March 16 that the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby was moved from May 2 to September 5.

The Stronach Group/Maryland Jockey Club is aware that a potential date for Preakness 145 has been announced. At this point, there is no definitive date set and we continue to explore options. Once a date for Preakness 145 has been finalized, an official announcement will be made. pic.twitter.com/qLavt98E1z
— Maryland Jockey Club (@LaurelPark) May 6, 2020

However, the ensuing two mainstays of the Triple Crown, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, have yet to make a formal decision but are rumored to be considering dates in late August, September or October. The Maryland Jockey Club recently had this to say regarding the Preakness:

“While we are mindful of the challenges these times present we also know that events like the Preakness Stakes can help restore our sense of place and economic well-being to our communities and state. As soon as we have further clarity on these matters we will inform all.”

The New York Racing Association CEO and President Dave O’Rourke recently commented on the Belmont Stakes:

“NYRA will deliver an announcement only when that process has concluded to the satisfaction of state and local health departments. The Belmont Stakes is a New York institution with wide-reaching economic impact. We look forward to its 152nd edition in 2020.”

It appears racing fans soon will have something resembling a normal number of tracks to watch, but will have to wait a little longer on more information for two of the biggest races in the sport.