Owners, trainers, drivers and grooms who will be coming to Plainridge Park this coming Sunday (July 26) for the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace are asked to take note of the following information before coming to the track, as much has changed due to state of Massachusetts regulations relating to COVID-19.
The draw for Sunday (July 26) will be held on Wednesday (July 22) with the box closing at 9 a.m. Also on Wednesday, you will need to fax to the judges a 2020 negative coggins test, a 2020 EHV vaccination record and an up to date health certificate with Plainridge Park as the destination for each horse racing.
There will be limited access to the administration building and as a result, anyone needing a 2020 Massachusetts racing license is urged to apply in advance. Go to the MGC website (https://massgaming.com/licensing/horse-racing-licenses/), download the appropriate form and fax it to the judges prior to coming to Plainridge to keep the number of people who need access to the licensing office to a minimum on race day. If you are unable to do that, print and bring the completed form with a cheque made out to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the track to expedite the transaction on site.
The fax number for sending health certificates or licensing forms is 508-643-9624. The phone number to contact the judges direct is 508-576-4565.
There is no overnight stabling on the grounds at Plainridge Park this year, so you will not be able to get into the track before Sunday morning (July 26) at 8 a.m. All horses in to go must be on the grounds no later than 11 a.m. and then get to the lasix barn at the appropriate time for your race.
All horses will have assigned stalls and must remain in those stalls until the races are over. At the conclusion of the card, all horses must then leave the grounds.
No one is allowed in the paddock except for the trainer of the horse and a groom. No owners will be allowed in the paddock. Also no one will be allowed in the winner’s circle after any race except the winning horse and the driver.
To enter the grandstand you must go to the main casino entrance, have your temperature taken, answer a health questionnaire and then proceed to the racing side of the building. A mask must be worn upon entering Plainridge Park Casino and must be kept on the entire time you are there. Social distancing is also a requirement and will be enforced.
Also due to state COVID-19 restrictions, the grandstand will be limited to a maximum of 300 people. If you are planning on attending, tickets will be available the day of the race at the program stand or from any racing services manager for $5 (limit two per person). Please note there are a number of tickets reserved for participating horsepeople that day.
(Plainridge Park)