After technical issues with the Ohio State Racing Commission’s Wednesday evening meeting and adjournment, this morning (Thursday, May 14) the Ohio State Racing Commission unanimously finalized a Resolution and Statewide Protocol Plan to commence racing live.
Ohio has been cleared to start live racing on May 22.
Ohio’s Standardbred permit holders said Wednesday that qualifiers can be scheduled to go live May 16 at Eldorado Scioto Downs and May 18 at MGM Northfield Park. Live racing will resume on May 22 at Eldorado Scioto and May 26 at MGM Northfield Park.
Health Department Orders and Protocols that are a mandatory condition of this reopening were also approved. All horsepeople must read, acknowledge receipt, and follow the stringent protocols that are outlined. These protocols will be modified as the COVID-19 landscape changes, whether added restrictions are necessary or lifted. Click here to read them.
Racing’s resumption and successful continuation is now in the hands of the horsepeople to carry forward. The associations have done all they can do to provide the opportunity to race for Ohio’s horsepeople. We need you to successfully and safely execute to continue racing. We will provide any additional details as they become necessary. Safe and prosperous racing to everyone.
(Harnessracing.com)
It appears that Pompano Park
It appears that Pompano Park in Fla might be opening soon as well. Pompano had 13 qualifiers scheduled for this morning - a total of 102 horses were scheduled to qualify. Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Palm Beach Kennel Club in Fla. all remained open during the pandemic, so it makes sense that Pompano would be permitted to reopen for live racing too.