Officials with Running Aces have released procedures for horsepeople in regard to the opening of the track's backstretch.

Stall allocations were posted on Wednesday, April 29, and Running Aces has staed that it is continuing to work with the MHRI to develop a full schedule of races for regulatory review and approval.
Running Aces is committed to opening the backstretch at 8 a.m. on June 1, 2020 for the first phase of the 2020 season at the track.

This year, Running Aces will open the backstretch in two phases. Those that are assigned trailers at Running Aces or are in need of stabling for their horses are welcome to join the backstretch during the initial phase. The second phase, which is for the remainder of the trainers that have been allocated stalls at the track, will open June 8, 2020 at 8 a.m.

Running Aces has scheduled to offer four qualifying dates, beginning with phase-one horses on June 10 at 11 a.m. Running Aces will post the full schedule of races, pending regulatory approval, once a schedule has been finalized with the MHRI.

Trainers are asked to please confirm their intentions and date of arrival with Ben Blum prior to making shipping arrangements, as well as sending stall rosters to [email protected].

The purpose of a phased opening is to allow for a period of self isolation and social distancing, and for the learning of new safety protocols for on the Running Aces backstretch.

As an additional measure of the safety and welfare for those working at Running Aces, the track has hired Trisha Stobbs, health and safety compliance administrator, to develop and manage risk mitigation and safety practices for the horsepeople, Running Aces employees, and MRC staff.

(With files from Running Aces)