New York Sate’s horse racing field is currently experiencing a hiatus of sorts, as New York Racing Association has mandated a breather between live races at its racetracks. Belmont Park is expected to see the start of its live racing on September 18 following almost two weeks of timeout for the horse people of New York State.
It could be recalled that Saratoga Race Course witnessed the end of its live season on September 7 and the racing association decided it would be best if the horse people received more time to prepare for the upcoming races. Saratoga Race Course saw a total of 40 days of live races which have been a positive boost for the people interested in horse racing.
Live Horse Racing
The all-sources handle managed to reach US$702.5 million which came as a needed support following months of lockdown and no live horse races. However, the unprecedented situation has taken its toll on the staff as all safety protocols had to be implemented and kept in place. In addition to that, the backstretch staff members were limited during this time, further aggravating the situation.
These were the reasons why the New York Racing Association decided to give horse people more time to recuperate before the new racing season commences at Belmont Park. Martin Panza, NYRA’s Senior Vice President for Racing Operations, stated that this time was needed for the individuals participating in races and working with the racehorses. Projections are that this hiatus will have a positive impact on the upcoming weeks of races.
Racehorses have now relocated to their new home at Belmont Park and they are preparing for the official start of the racing season there. Trainer Linda Rice said that many horse people are looking forward to the moment when they will be able to see horse racing return to its normal pace and conditions, with a cheerful crowd ready to bet in-person.
Racing after Hiatus
Belmont Park is ready to greenlight its new season featuring a total of 27 days filled with live racing. There will be events on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays introducing riveting weekends for the people interested in wagering, as well as for the horse people of New York State. This will span all the way to November 1, bringing as many as 38 stakes.
They amount to some US$5.58 million and include seven Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifiers, expected to heat up the racetrack. Now that spectators are not allowed to make their way there and watch it all happen live, they will get the chance to closely observe it on TV. NYRA’s popular “America’s Day at the Races” television show on the Fox Sports and MSG networks will be the reliable source of horse racing information.
The only people allowed to make their way there and watch the races in person are a small number of licensed owners that could watch their horses run on that particular day of the racing schedule. They could also place wagers via the mutuel clerks and touch-screen self-service machines.
