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Andrew Offerman, Vice President of Racing Operations Canterbury Park
in San Antonio, but if not, then it’ll take place somewhere else,” Jimmy says. “The positive thing is that Texas people continue to believe in our Texas program and because of that, they’ll support it and we’ll get through this.”
From the track management side, Andrew says that being a seasonal venue, Canterbury Park in Minnesota was in the midst of planning for the season rather than preparing so there were no horses on the property. “For the past couple weeks, we’ve been focused on making sure we can open and accept horses on our backstretch, and then once
we get through that part of the equation, to do everything we can to get them running and earning revenue, making sure we do it in the safest manner possible. Our goal has shifted from opening in May to racing by mid-June at the latest.”
In Louisiana, where Delta Downs’ season
was scheduled to start April 17, missed dates
can be shifted to later in the calendar. “The LQHBA will work with the Louisiana Racing Commission, Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (LHBPA) and Louisiana
Bruce Salard, LQHBA Executive Director
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (LTBA) to ensure that although 2020 may look different than past years, we are laying the groundwork for optimism and success in future years,” Bruce says.
“Many owners, trainers, jockeys and horse handlers maintain more than one job and the LHBPA has remained open to address any possible medical benefits. And the LQHBA has worked
to send breeders’ awards to members as soon as possible.” However, Bruce adds, live racing is needed to relieve the strain on the industry and the professionals who make their living there.
Although financial recovery is high up
the list of goals for the near future, safety is paramount. “Hopefully, we’ll see a gradual increase in spectator participation, and we can ease our way back to ‘normal,’” Spence says.
“It’s unknown if racing is going to look the same when we come out of this,” Izzy adds. “But the fighting spirit of the racetrack is sec- ond to none. I have a lot of faith; I’m a spiritual guy and I believe that good things are going to come out of this.”
Orlando Gutierrez,
Los Alamtios Director of Marketing
In Oklahoma, where horses are still racing, the off-track handle has been off the charts since the lockdowns began due to the limited amount of racing out there for people to bet on.
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