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Month: March 2020
LTBA COVID-19 UPDATE
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OAKLAWN MOVES ARKANSAS DERBY TO MAY 2
HOT SPRINGS, AR (Friday, March 20, 2020) – Oaklawn announced today that it is moving its signature race – the Arkansas Derby (G1) – from Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, May 2, closing day of the 2020 live meet. Due to the closing of the casino and racetrack to the public, Oaklawn could have raced with purses intact through April 18, but, upon discussions with the HBPA, decided instead to reduce purses across the board and “stay until May.” As a result, the Arkansas Derby purse will be reduced to $750,000.
“Churchill Downs understands the circumstances created by the current health crisis, and, therefore, will allow the full 170 points towards Kentucky Derby eligibility (now scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5) as long as we meet the minimum purse threshold of $750,000,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “The purse reductions are across the board. If operations return to normal between now and May, we will adjust them accordingly.”
Of the total 170 points towards Kentucky Derby eligibility, 100 points will be awarded to the winner of the Arkansas Derby.
Oaklawn is also moving the Fantasy Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies Friday, May 1, and will reduce its purse to $400,000, but, like the Arkansas Derby, it will still offer the full 170 points towards eligibility in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), which is now scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4.
The Arkansas Derby and Fantasy are among 15 remaining stakes that have had their purses reduced along with all overnight purses. Other date changes: The Oaklawn Invitational moves to Saturday, April 11 and will carry a $200,000 purse. The Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) moves to Saturday, April 18, and now shares the card with the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1). The Oaklawn Handicap (G2) moves to Saturday, May 2, and now shares the card with the Arkansas Derby (G1).
“We are trying to make the best of a bad situation,” continued Cella. “And we greatly appreciate the cooperation we have received from our horsemen and the Arkansas Racing Commission.”
An announcement regarding all ticket sales and dining reservations will be made at a later date.
Oaklawn’s remaining 2020 stakes schedule is as follows:
| 2020 Date | Race Name | Conditions | Distance | Purse |
| Saturday, March 21 | Gazebo | 3-Year-Olds | 6 Furlongs | $90,000 |
| Saturday, March 28 | Nodouble Breeders’ | 3-Year Olds & Up, (AR) | 6 Furlongs | $100,000 |
| Saturday, April 04 | Purple Martin | 3-Year-Olds, Fillies | 6 Furlongs | $100,000 |
| Saturday, April 11 | The Oaklawn Mile | 4-Year-Olds & Up | 1 Mile | $150,000 |
| Saturday, April 11 | The Oaklawn Stakes | 3-Year-Olds | 1 1/8-Miles | $200,000 |
| Friday, April 17 | Rainbow Miss | 3-Year-Olds, Fillies (AR) | 6 Furlongs | $100,000 |
| Friday, April 17 | Rainbow – Open | 3-Year-Olds (AR) | 6 Furlongs | $100,000 |
| Saturday, April 18 | Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) | 4-Year-Olds & Up | 6 Furlongs | $350,000 |
| Saturday, April 18 | Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) | 4-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares | 1 1/16-Miles | $600,000 |
| Saturday, April 25 | Carousel | 4-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares | 6 Furlongs | $125,000 |
| Saturday, April 25 | Bachelor | 3-Year-Olds | 6 Furlongs | $100,000 |
| Friday, May 01 | Arkansas Breeders’ Championship | 3-Year-Olds & Up (AR) | 1 1/16-Miles | $165,000 |
| Friday, May 01 | Fantasy (G3) | 3-Year-Olds, Fillies | 1 1/16-Miles | $400,000 |
| Saturday, May 02 | Arkansas Derby (G1) | 3-Year-Olds | 1 1/8-Miles | $750,000 |
| Saturday, May 02 | Oaklawn Handicap (G2) | 4-Year-Olds & Up | 1 1/8-Miles | $600,000 |
Amoss to Self-Quarantine After Interaction With Payton
Trainer added in his tweet that he “will be tested at the earliest possible time.”
Trainer Tom Amoss tweeted March 19 that he would self-quarantine for 14 days after learning that New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton—who was in the winner’s circle with him at Oaklawn Park March 14—tested positive for COVID-19. The trainer added in his tweet that he “will be tested at the earliest possible time” but feels great and has no symptoms.
Amoss, whose primary winter training base is Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, was at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Ark., to watch Joel Politi’s Serengeti Empress win the March 14 Azeri Stakes (G2) by 6 1/4 lengths under Joe Talamo. Fair Grounds and Oaklawn raced last week, mostly without spectators.
Enforceable Lukewarm Favorite in Louisiana Derby
An overflow field of 14 is set for the 1 3/16-mile test at Fair Grounds March 21.
John Oxley’s Enforceable has been tabbed a lukewarm 7-2 morning-line favorite in an overflow field of 14 3-year-olds for the $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) March 21 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Two also-eligibles await defections in the race previously run over nine furlongs on dirt. The Louisiana Derby will be run at 1 3/16 miles for the first time Saturday. The third and final prep at Fair Grounds for the Run for the Roses is worth 100-40-20-10 points to the top four finishers on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
TRIO OF LOUISIANA-BRED STAKES SUPPORT SATURDAY’S LOUISIANA DERBY DAY PROGRAM
Crescent City Derby, Crescent City Oaks & Costa Rising on tap
(New Orleans – Wednesday, March 18, 2020) – With an early first post of 11 a.m CDT at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Saturday’s 12-race Louisiana Derby Day card will feature eight stakes worth a total of $2.425 million. Four of those stakes are graded, including the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), 100-40-20-10 points races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, now re-scheduled for early September.
There will be no time wasted getting to the stakes action, as the 1 1/16th miles $75,000 Crescent City Derby for Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds will be run as race one. In what will be his stakes debut, Baronne Farms LLC’s Sydster has been installed as Mike Diliberto’s lukewarm 3-1 morning line favorite over seven rivals.
Bet down to 5-2 favoritism, but well beaten in his career debut while sprinting on dirt, the Eddie Johnston-trainee was stretched out to two turns on turf in his follow-up start and the son of Power Broker did not disappoint, wiring the field. He pulled a similar winning act against allowance foes back on dirt in his follow-up start, and in his most recent start, Sydster finished second behind a much more experienced elder in Musical Man. He will break from post one with jockey Florent Geroux aboard on Saturday.
Perfect from two starts, with both wins coming in deep closing fashion over 6 ½ furlongs at Delta Downs, Keith Plaisance’s Langs Day invades Fair Grounds with hopes of keeping his undefeated record intact for trainer Lee Thomas. Breaking from post two with Ty Kennedy aboard as the 7-2 second choice, the son of New Year’s Day will stretch out to the 1 1/16th mile distance for the first time.
$75,000 Crescent City Derby, 1 1/16 miles, Louisiana-breds, 3-year-olds.
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1. Sydster |
Geroux/Johnston |
3/1 |
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2. Langs Day |
Kennedy/Thomas |
7/2 |
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3. Atta Bouy |
Murrill/David, Jr. |
9/2 |
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4. Kai Baby Kai |
Hernandez/Stall, Jr. |
10/1 |
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5. City Park |
Gaffalione/Gabriel, Jr. |
5/1 |
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6. Luckenbacher |
Lanerie/Burress |
12/1 |
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7. Freedomfi |
G. Melancon/G. Smith |
8/1 |
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8. Jax Man |
Graham/David, Jr. |
5/1 |
Crescent City Oaks
Carded as race three and the second of eight total stakes on the Louisiana Derby Day program, the Crescent City Oaks is scheduled to be run at one mile and seventy yards and is restricted to Louisiana bred 3-year-old fillies.
Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stables Inc’s Steph’sfullasugar has been nothing short of sensational in two career starts. Dismissed at odds of 7-1 in her debut on January 18 at Fair Grounds, she won in professional, stalk and pounce fashion. The daughter of Tapiture followed up with another score in the Premier Night Starlet Stakes at Delta Downs, as she settled in early before drawing away to score by 6 3/4thlengths. The Victor Arceneaux charge is listed as the 7-5 morning line favorite and will break from post eight with jockey Colby Hernandez aboard.
Corinne and William Heiligbrodt’s Vacherie Girl will look to get back on track after finishing a well-beaten ninth behind Steph’sfullasugar as the 8-5 favorite in the Premier Night Starlet. Also a daughter of Tapiture, Vacherie Girl kicked off her career with a debut win at Fair Grounds before taking the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie in her follow-up run. Hammered down to 1-2 in the Louisiana Futurity just 15 days later, she finished a disappointing third. Vacherie Girl will be ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr. and is listed as the 4-1 second choice on the morning line.
|
1. Georgia Dawn |
Lanerie/Forster |
20/1 |
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2. Quikfast N Ahurry |
Geroux/S. Flint |
6/1 |
|
3. Oh Toodles |
Graham/Lara |
6/1 |
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4. Sebs Princess |
Hernandez, Jr./Duke |
5/1 |
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5. Saber Cut |
Saenz/Breaux |
8/1 |
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6. Vacherie Girl |
Santana, Jr./Asmussen |
4/1 |
|
7. Jet Sweep |
K. Smith/Dore |
20/1 |
Costa Rising Stakes
A 13-time winner overall, but with only one of those victories coming on turf, Ivory Sisters Racing LLC’s Monte Man is scheduled to line up as the lukewarm 7-2 morning line favorite over 11 older Louisiana-bred sprinters in Saturday’s $75,000 Costa Rising Stakes over 5 ½ furlongs of green.
In what was his only career turf win from seven tries, the 7-year-old son of Custom For Carlos captured the 2018 edition of the Costa Rising, and he finished second, beaten only a neck by Win Lion Win, in last year’s renewal. The leading earner in the field with $537,441 in the bank, Monte Man was last seen finishing third as the 4-5 favorite in a restricted, off the turf optional claimer for trainer Ron Faucheux. He will break from post seven with Adam Beschizza astride.
Winless from eight starts since last year’s Costa Rising, Farm dAllie Racing Stables’ 9-year-old gelding Win Lion Win will look to back on track on Saturday. The second leading earner in the field with just over $400K in the bank, the 6-1 co-second choice will leave from post two with James Graham aboard.
Also installed at 6-1 in the morning line is Margolis Racing LLC and Columbus Circle Partners’Yankee Seven. The winner of consecutive restricted allowance sprints in the slop, prior to a recent third on a fast track, the son of Yankee Gentleman is one of only two 4-year-olds in the body of the Costa Rising. From post nine with Chantal Sutherland aboard, he’s set to test the turf for just the second time in his career on Saturday.
$75,000 Costa Rising, 5 ½ furlongs turf, 3 yo’s & up, Louisiana-breds.
|
1. Treys Midnite Moon |
Bridgmohan/Richards |
10/1 |
|
2. Win Lion Win |
Graham/Ramsay-Banks |
6/1 |
|
3. Fame Feather |
Doyle/Faucheux |
8/1 |
|
4. Future Ruler |
Geroux/Thomas |
10/1 |
|
5. Mr. Priority |
Kennedy/Thomas |
20/1 |
|
6. Afleet Ascent |
Saenz/Devereux, Jr. |
8/1 |
|
7. Monte Man |
Beschizza/Faucheux |
7/2 |
|
8. A Song for Arch |
Pompell/Brinkman |
10/1 |
|
9. Yankee Seven |
Sutherland/Margolis |
6/1 |
|
10. Grand Luwegee |
Lanerie/Perron |
20/1 |
|
11. In the Navy |
Albarado/Gelner |
8/1 |
|
12. Eden Grey’s Kitten |
Santana, Jr./S. Flint |
10/1 |
|
13. Laughingsaintssong |
Hernandez/Landry |
6/1 |
|
14. Letithappencarlos |
Murrill/Zeringue, Jr. |
6/1 |
|
15. Inspector Eddie |
Mena/Johnston |
8/1 |
|
16. Bertie’s Galaxy |
Geroux/Faucheux |
6/1 |
Fair Grounds Racing to be simulcast NBCSN
The last several races on Saturday’s Fair Grounds’ card, including the Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) and Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2), will now be broadcast on NBCSN’s simulcast of TVG’s Trackside Live, which will air from 3-7 p.m. CDT (4-8 p.m. EDT) with Britney Eurton as the host.
Coverage of the Louisiana Derby will also be streamed live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs.
HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS FORCED TO CANCEL THE REMAINING TWO DAYS OF THE 2020 QUARTER HORSE MEET
Announcement Forthcoming on the Status of the $283,210 Harrah’s Entertainment Futurity (G3)
Bossier City, LA – In response to growing concerns and state mandates regarding COVID-19, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs announced that the remaining two days of the 2020 Quarter Horse meet have been canceled. The live racing season was supposed to conclude on Wednesday, March 18 with the running of the $283,210 Harrah’s Entertainment Futurity (G3). An announcement on the status of the championship will be forthcoming.
The 44-day season closed following Monday’s card and included the presentation of the End of the Meet awards to the leading owner, trainer and jockey.
J & J Stables LLC was honored as leading owner of the meet. It’s been a very good season for co-owners Juan J. Bazaldua and Jesus E. Del Bosque, who banded together in 2017 with a mutual interest in breeding and racing. Both are successful businessmen; Bazaldua founded Pollo Regio, which began as a food truck concept in Mexico and now has multiple locations throughout Texas. Del Bosque’s field is roofing; he owns Axl Metal Roofing, LLC. In 2017, they incorporated J & J Stables LLC. Their farm is located in Keithville, Louisiana, in Caddo Parish, south of Shreveport. They won nine races this meet, including three stakes victories by Fantasicazoom Jr, and a victory in the Swift Stakes by Ss Classyjess. Four owners: Geral Dewitt, Jose Ortiz, Juan Antonio Carillo, Sr and Barbara Hieden Seber tied for second in the standings with seven wins each.
The partners have entrusted the training of their horses to Jose Carrizales. He is just 23-years-old but had a solid meet at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, earning the first leading trainer title of his career. He concluded the meet with 23 wins from 102 starts and purses of $172,862. Carrizales was the conditioner of J & J Stables LLC’s One Sweet Filly, who qualified for the $315,166 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2), finishing fifth in the final on March 14.
“These owners are good men and have been very supportive,” said Carrizales. “They have a farm and breed most of their horses. I get to work with them from the start, which I enjoy. Ricardo has done an excellent job for our barn; he is very experienced, and we work well together.”
Vann Haywood saddled 14 winners to finish second in the trainer standings and Lanny Keith, who won the title in 2019, was third with 13 wins.
Ricardo Hernandez, Jr. won the leading rider title with 33 wins, 29 seconds and 20 third-place finishes. His mounts earned $301,234 and he finished in the money at a 44% clip this season. He rode first call for Carrizales throughout the meet and guided Fantasticazoom Jr. for J & J Stables LLC to five victories this meet, included three stakes wins The veteran jockey finished fourth in the jockey standings here last year. Finishing second behind Hernandez was David Alvarez with 29 wins, following by John Hamilton, who made 26 trips to the winner’s circle.
“We thank our horsemen and fans for their support this season and wish that we had been able to fully complete our 2020 Quarter Horse meet,” said David Heitzmann, director of racing. “This was an unprecedented event in our world and very difficult time for the entire racing industry. We wish the best to all of our horsemen as the year progresses.”
About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
The 146th Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020
The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020 and the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1, 2020 to September 4, 2020. These dates are contingent upon final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which we expect to receive on Thursday, March 19.
Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO, Bill Carstanjen, stated: “Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community. As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.
Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our Company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve.”
Ticket/ Refund Policy
Your Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby tickets purchased for the originally scheduled dates are automatically valid for the new race dates. You may arrive on the new dates in September with your printed ticket or mobile ticket to be scanned for entry at the gates. Information on a new ticket shipment date will be sent directly to ticket purchasers.
If you have purchased a ticket and are not able to attend the newly scheduled race dates, information regarding refund requests will be available at this site (KentuckyDerby.com/updates) by the end of this week. If your ticket was purchased from a vendor or secondary market website other than Churchill Downs, Ticketmaster.com or Derby Experiences, please contact that site directly. We are unable to process refunds for those tickets.
Derby Week Information
The remainder of Derby Week races have not been decided at this time. Please revisit us at KentuckyDerby.com/updates for the latest information regarding Opening Night, Champions Day, Wednesday and Thurby.
Please click here for additional commonly asked questions.
Churchill Downs Racetrack Updates
(For information about the Kentucky Derby Museum, please click here.)
The safety and health of our guests, team members and participants remains our primary concern at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We are monitoring COVID-19 developments with steadfast vigilance in connection with resources provided by the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as well as public health officials and experts.
We encourage anyone planning to visit Churchill Downs Racetrack to follow the preventative actions outlined by the CDC and make informed decisions based on the official and most recent information provided. If you plan to attend a private event held at Churchill Downs, you should contact the organizer directly. All scheduled events will continue at the discretion of our clients.
In the best interest of our guests, employees and the community around us amid public health concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, Churchill Downs Racetrack has made the difficult decision to voluntarily suspend simulcasting operations, effective Sunday, March 15 at midnight, for fourteen days. There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We sincerely apologize for this abrupt notice and any inconvenience it may cause.
To ensure the utmost safety of guests when they visit our property, we have instituted the following practices at Churchill Downs Racetrack:
- Doubling all housekeeping staff at the track and on backside to increase frequency of cleaning disinfecting high-touch surfaces including gate turnstiles, doors, door knobs, handles, restrooms, tables, chairs, light, switches, elevator buttons security card readers, etc.
- Educating all employees on CDC guidance, including proper handwashing techniques, and the avoidance of touching eyes, nose, and mouth
- Requesting all vendors to thoroughly communicate hygiene protocol to their staff and employees.
- Instructing all employees feeling unwell to refrain from coming to work.
- Utilizing cleaning chemicals that meet the latest Environmental Protection Agency Emerging Viral Pathogen Policy and CDC requirements for registered disinfectants
- Implementing the use of electrostatic spraying systems after hours to supplement routine surface cleaning
- Increasing public hand-sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas, containing gel that meets or exceeds the CDC standard for alcohol content
- Enforcing a renewed focus on our ongoing maintenance efforts, including:
- Regular thorough cleaning of all restrooms on the track and backside, with pre-cleanings daily as well as routine cleanings during normal operation
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Churchill Downs Incorporated Announces Temporary Suspension or Modification of Operations at Certain Properties
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today the temporary suspension of operations at certain of its properties as a precautionary measure to COVID-19 and in cooperation with state and local authorities.
The following actions have been or will be taken:
- Fair Grounds Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana temporarily suspended operations at 12:00 p.m. CT on March 16, 2020.
- Fair Grounds’ network of off track betting and video poker facilities in and around New Orleans, Louisiana will temporarily suspend operations at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16, 2020.
- Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon, Ohio temporarily suspended operations effective March 14, 2020, while live racing without fans will continue at Miami Valley Raceway.
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines in Des Plaines, Illinois temporarily suspended operations starting March 15, 2020.
- Derby City Gaming in Louisville, Kentucky temporarily suspended operations at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 15, 2020.
- Churchill Downs Racetrack simulcast operations in Louisville, Kentucky temporarily suspended operations at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 15, 2020.
- Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland temporarily suspended operations at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 15, 2020.
- Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida temporarily suspended operations at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 16, 2020.
- Oxford Casino in Oxford, Maine temporarily suspended operations at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 16, 2020.
- Lady Luck Nemacolin in Farmington, Pennsylvania will temporarily suspend operations at 8:00 p.m. ET on March 16, 2020.
- Arlington Park’s network of off track betting facilities in Illinois will temporarily suspend operations by 8:00 p.m. CT on March 16, 2020.
- Presque Isle Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania will temporarily suspend operations at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16, 2020.
CDI previously announced that Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky and Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana will run all remaining races in their respective race meets spectator-free.
“From the onset of these unprecedented circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the team at Churchill Downs Incorporated has worked diligently to make the most responsible decisions based on the guidance provided by federal health experts and recommendations from state and local authorities in each of our jurisdictions,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI.
“As the situation evolved rapidly, we made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment for our guests and employees. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe necessary, decisions.
We are committed to doing our part to protect the communities in which we operate to address this global pandemic. That commitment extends to our employees to whom we are monumentally grateful for their efforts on behalf of our company and our guests during these uncertain times. We will reopen these operations when authorities determine it is appropriate to do so and we look forward to that time.”
There have been no known cases of COVID-19 at any of these properties and all CDI properties have been and will continue to work closely and cooperatively with the state and local authorities in each state where we operate. CDI will continue to closely monitor the developments related to COVID-19.
Evangeline Downs Cancels Training; Management Orders All Horses, Personnel Off The Backside
Evangeline Downs, operated by Boyd Gaming, has not only postponed it’s 2020 Thoroughbred race meet until further notice, but a mass text sent to horsemen on Monday also cancelled morning training hours and ordered all horses and personnel off the backside by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
The Thoroughbred meet was scheduled to start on April 8.
Boyd Gaming has made several closures to gaming properties in the face of the international COVID-19 pandemic, but has yet to offer an official statement about the Evangeline decision.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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