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NYS Will Allow Some Fans At Car, Horse Racing Venues Starting April 23

Saratoga Race Course during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackie Orchard
/
WAMC
Saratoga Race Course during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says attendees will be allowed at horse and car racing events beginning April 23. Cuomo made the announcement after a closed-press visit to Belmont Park Wednesday, saying the events will proceed at 20% capacity with COVID-19 precautions in place.

“And that will be in line with our guidance for other professional sports events,” Cuomo said. “The health and safety protocols that apply to sports events: face masks, social distancing, proof of completed immunization or a recent negative test.”

The change comes on the eve of the Belmont Park spring meet and ahead of Saratoga Race Course’s summer season – which ran without fans last year for the first time in history.  

In a statement, New York Racing Association President Dave O’Rourke says ticketing options will be released after NYRA reviews guidelines.

“NYRA looks forward to welcoming fans back to Belmont Park this spring and to Saratoga Race Course this summer,” O’Rourke said. “We thank Governor Cuomo for the opportunity to host fans at our historic tracks for the first time since the start of the pandemic. We will announce ticketing options for fans once we further review the guidelines and protocols set forth for thoroughbred tracks in New York state. NYRA has dearly missed the passion and excitement that fans bring to the sport of thoroughbred racing. Today’s announcement by the Governor is one more indication that we are collectively moving toward a return to normalcy.”

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