On Tuesday, March 17, the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA) advised its members and partner organizations that live harness racing would be put on hold effectively immediately due to the province declaring a state of emergency.
The release from ASHA is as follows.
At the request of the Government of Alberta and in cooperation with the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA), Century Downs has cancelled race cards scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2020 and Sunday, March 29, 2020. This measure is being undertaken as part of an effort by the Government of Alberta to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting the size of public gatherings in the province.
Century Downs has implemented additional security and hygiene measures in the Century Downs backstretch and racetrack in order that they can be used for stabling and training racehorses. Training will continue at Century Downs during the closure of the racing entertainment centre.
The ASHA, Century Downs and Horse Racing Alberta will maintain communication with the Government of Alberta and we will advise Standardbred racing participants of a decision regarding any possible change to our racing calendar prior to our next card of live racing scheduled for April 5, 2020.
For additional information please contact Fred Gillis, Executive Director, ASHA.