Clinton Raceway's Ian Fleming recently took time to speak with CTV London, which has assembled a quick report in regard to fans being able to slowly return to the track to watch live racing.
Along with other racetracks in the province, Clinton Raceway recently announced its procedures to safely accomodate having 100 guests at its facility, as mandated by the Ontario Government in Stage 3 of its COVID-19 plan.
Under its protocols, Clinton allows one (1) owner and a guest, of horses racing on that day's race card to attend, up to a maximum of 100 guests. Owners register themselves, the name of the horse in their ownership, as well as their guest. The process is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are required to come through the entry checkpoint and interacting with staff, but are not currently required in an outdoor setting while on the premises, as long as individuals are practicing social distancing, which is mandatory (6.5 feet apart) at all times. Use of all hand washing stations frequently is encouraged to limit the spread of the virus. Temperature checks and a questionnaire are utilized with all owners and guests entering the premises.
“Obviously we want to keep everyone safe," said Fleming. "If 100 (fans) is where we have to start, then that’s where we have to start.”
Fleming explained that the track kicked off its season without fans in the stands. Fans got their Clinton fix by watching and wagering remotely, but the fact that the grandstands were empty just didn't sit right -- just ask Fleming.
“It was great to see people back," said Fleming, who added that, "it was almost eerie to have no people here.”
Clinton is scheduled to host its next card of live racing this coming Sunday (August 2), and the first race of the afternoon is scheduled to head behind the starter at 1:30 p.m.
To view the harness racing entries for Sunday at Clinton, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Clinton Raceway.
(With files from CTV London)