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BREEDERS’ CUP EXTENDS DEADLINE TO AUGUST 15 FOR HORSES OF RACING AGE NOMINATION DISCOUNT

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 29, 2020) –- Due to changes in racetrack schedules and auction sales dates as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the Breeders’ Cup announced today that it is extending the discount deadline for horses of racing age to Saturday, Aug. 15.

All horses must be Breeders’ Cup-nominated in order to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held at Keeneland Race Couse Lexington, Ky., Nov. 6-7.

The original horses of racing age nomination discount deadline was July 15.

“Although most Breeders’ Cup nominated horses join the program as weanlings, there are a few each year that didn’t get the Breeders’ Cup advantage as a foal,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders’ Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer. “We created the horses of racing age nomination program to make sure all runners have a chance to compete in our racing programs including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.  Now that racing has resumed in most locations, we believe our one-month extension will allow horsemen to better evaluate their racing stock and nominate to the Breeders’ Cup program, providing eligibility for their entire racing career.”

The nomination discounts are as follows:

• 2-year-olds by a nominated Breeders’ Cup stallion can join the program for US$12,000. This one-time nomination fee makes the racehorse Breeders’ Cup-eligible for its entire racing career.

• Runners which are 3-year-olds and older that were foaled in the Northern Hemisphere and sired by a nominated stallion will receive a 50% discount off normal racehorse nomination fees. Three-year-olds and older which were born in the Southern Hemisphere can be nominated for 25% of their regular nomination fee.

• All nominated racehorses are eligible for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will have purses and awards totaling more than $35 million this year, and for any other Breeders’ Cup racing program for their entire racing careers.

Following the Aug. 15 deadline, the price for all non-nominated runners reverts back to the standard racehorse nomination fee of US$100,000 or more until Oct. 26, when all runners must be pre-entered for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships races.

Owners may nominate their horses of racing age online at https://members.breederscup.com/Nomination/RacehorseNominationTerms1 or by calling the Breeders’ Cup Racing department at 859-514-9422.

Owners of horses of racing age by non-nominated stallions also can take advantage of discounted prices before Aug. 15. Two-year-olds by non-nominated stallions can join the program for US$18,000; Northern Hemisphere 3-year-olds and older for US$100,000 and Southern Hemisphere 3-year-olds and older for US$50,000.

Below is the complete list of nomination prices and deadlines:

Horses of Racing Age sired by Nominated Stallion and Nominated before Aug. 15.

• Two-Year-Olds:   $12,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Northern Hemisphere-bred):   $50,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Southern Hemisphere-bred):   $25,000 (US)

Horses of Racing Age sired by Nominated Stallion and Nominated after Aug. 15.

• Two-Year-Olds:   $100,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Northern Hemisphere-bred):   $100,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Southern Hemisphere-bred):   $100,000 (US)

Sired by NON-Nominated Stallion and Nominated  before Aug. 15.

• Two-Year-Olds:   $18,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Northern Hemisphere-bred):   $100,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Southern Hemisphere-bred):   $50,000 (US)

Sired by NON-Nominated Stallion and Nominated after Aug. 15.

• Two-Year-Olds:   $200,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Northern Hemisphere-bred):   $200,000 (US)

• Three-Year-Olds & Up (Southern Hemisphere-bred):   $200,000 (US)

 

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About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 6-7 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky and features a total of $35 million in purses and awards. The event will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

TTA Cancels Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, Extends Membership Promotion

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The Texas Thoroughbred Association has announced that its 2020 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will not be held this year. The event was originally scheduled for March at Sam Houston Race Park but could not be held then due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was ultimately decided to cancel it for this year. The awards video honoring the 2019 Texas Champions was unveiled earlier this month on the TTA’s Facebook page (click here to view the video), and all award winners will have their trophies shipped to them. Any TTA members who previously registered for the event will have those fees refunded.
“As much as we wanted to hold our annual meeting and awards banquet this year, it simply was not feasible,” said Mary Ruyle, the TTA’s executive director. “We do intend to bring back the event in 2021 and will be looking at how we might be able to honor the 2019 and 2020 Texas Champions then.”
The TTA also announced that it has extended its “Texas Trifecta” membership promotion through the end of 2020. Originally scheduled to end on June 30, the promotion allows new and renewing TTA members to get a free year of membership when they buy two years. Additionally, $20 from each membership will be donated to a Thoroughbred aftercare organization of the member’s choice among LOPE Texas, Remember Me Rescue or The Paddock Foundation.
More information on the membership promotion is available by clicking here.

Kentucky Derby, Oaks Will Have Spectators

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Strict guidelines to be enforced; number of fans yet to be announced.

 

Churchill Downs Racetrack announced June 25 that after consultation with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and state public health officials, the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) will occur with spectators under strict guidelines.

Kentucky Derby Week will be held Sept. 1-5 with the Oaks set for Sept. 4 and the Derby Sept. 5.

The number of fans is yet to be announced.

“We truly appreciate the leadership of the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, and all of the hard work, collaboration and guidance that state and local officials and public health experts have provided us to safely and responsibly host Kentucky Derby week in September with spectators,” said Churchill Downs’ president Kevin Flanery. “Our team is deeply committed to holding the best Kentucky Derby ever, and we will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all who attend and participate in the Derby.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we have established a comprehensive set of operating procedures, which include a multitude of precautionary measures to be followed while fans are in attendance at our facility. We are determined to keep our customers, employees and communities as safe as we responsibly can.”

Churchill Downs’ plan was developed in conjunction with advice and counsel set forth by the Louisville Metro Health Department and Kentucky’s Healthy at Work guidance. Some of the steps that will be taken to ensure guest and employee safety include:

•    Venue capacity reductions to limit overall crowd density, including general admission, outdoor reserved seating, premium dining, and suites. More information on ticketing and seating areas will be released in the coming days and also will be sent directly to ticket holders.
•  General admission tickets will be limited to a specified number and only grant access to the infield. No general admission will be allowed in the “front side” or paddock areas of the facility.

•    Access throughout the facility will be limited.

•    Credentials for employees, media, and guests will be reduced.

•    Barn area access will be restricted to essential personnel. Guests and parties in the barn area for morning workouts and during race days will be eliminated.

•    Changes in venue operations to limit person-to-person touch points.

•    Team member protocols established to protect employees and guests.

•    A revised Fan Code of Conduct that establishes expectations for guests coming to the Derby.

•    Guests will be consistently and frequently encouraged to wear a mask at all times unless seated in their reserved seat or venue. This includes when:
Riding on a shuttle
Traveling through the venue
Going to the restroom
Placing an in-person wager
Purchasing food or beverages from a concession stand
Guests will be asked to wash their hands for 20 seconds or sanitize them frequently.
Guests will be encouraged to socially distance themselves from others when possible.

More detailed and additional information will be provided in the coming days online at http://www.KentuckyDerby.com/Updates.

“The impact of the Kentucky Derby extends well beyond the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs,” Flanery said. “It is an incredibly important time for the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky both culturally, economically and with respect to our time-honored traditions. Both employees and guests are asked to take an active role in following all guidelines. We must all do our part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled Kentucky Derby Week dates are automatically valid for the new race dates. Guests may arrive on the new dates in September with their printed ticket or mobile ticket to be scanned for entry at the gates. Guests that have purchased a ticket and are not able to attend the newly scheduled race dates, can visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/TicketStatus for more information. Guests who purchased tickets from a vendor or secondary market website other than Churchill Downs, Ticketmaster.com or Derby Experiences must contact those sites directly. Churchill Downs is unable to process refunds for those tickets.

 

June 15 Deadline Reminder for the Texas Summer Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale

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Horsemen are reminded that Monday, June 15 is the entry deadline for the Texas Summer Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale to be held August 24 at Lone Star Park.
The TTA is pleased to have a consignor incentive program for the sale. Thanks to the passage of H.B. 2463, which injects up to $25 million annually into the Texas horse industry, funds are available to rebate up to half of the $400 consignment fee for all horses passing through the ring, including horses not bred in Texas.
A similar incentive was previously announced for the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. That auction was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all consignment fees were refunded.
The Texas Summer Yearling Sale has traditionally included a mixed session for broodmares and weanlings, but for this year’s auction only, that format will change to a horses of racing age session focused on 2-year-olds. If there is sufficient demand, an under tack show may be added prior to the sale.
“We know that these are challenging times for horsemen, so in order to adapt to the current situation we rolled over the consignment incentive to this sale and changed the format to give consignors an option for selling 2-year-olds and other horses of racing age,” said Mary Ruyle, executive director of the TTA. “We had a record number of entries for the 2-year-old sale, so we expect to have strong participation in this sale as well. We are truly thankful for all the consignors and buyers that have helped make this such an important sale for the Southwest region.”
For more information and a consignment form, go to www.ttasales.com.

SPECTATORS ALLOWED TO ATTEND LIVE RACING AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Opening Day for the 2020 Thoroughbred Meet is Saturday, June 6

 

Bossier City, LA – The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs gets underway on Saturday, June 6 with excellent news for racing fans. While the onsite casino was opened on May 18, restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were still in place prohibiting attendance for live racing and simulcast wagering.

 

Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana is ready to move to Phase 2 of the White House’s reopening strategy. He signed the executive order late on Thursday, June 4 with guidance being issued to individual industries and businesses via the OpenSafely.la.gov website. In Phase 2, churches, places of worship and many more businesses will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter.

 

The Governor was advised by public health experts that Louisiana has seen decreasing reports of COVID-like illness, decreasing new case counts especially as a percentage of tests administered, and decreasing hospitalizations in almost every area of the state. A few areas of concern still exist, but through contact tracing and frequent testing, the state is able to quickly track increases and work to prevent large outbreaks.

 

“We have been in daily communication with the Governor’s office and were hopeful that we would be able to welcome racing fans to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” said David Heitzmann, Director of Racing. “Our opening day card drew very well, and we look forward to a very successful kick off to our 2020 Thoroughbred racing season.”

 

Patrons will be required to enter via a specially marked designated entrance and temperature checks will be conducted. Face masks are not required, but recommended. Only trainers, grooms and jockeys will be permitted in the saddling paddock and no more than six individuals will be allowed in the winner’s circle following their race, based on social distancing recommendations.  Further information can be found on the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs website.

 

The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time will be 3:05 pm (Central).

 

 

Pick 6 Jackpot Added to the Wagering Options

Racing fans will have plenty of exotic wagering options for the upcoming meet. Rolling daily doubles and Pick 3 wagers will begin on the first race. A Pick 4 wager will be offered on the last four races of the program as well as a Pick 5, covering the final five races. Also, a new Pick 6 Jackpot, with a minimum bet of .10 cents, beginning on the second race of the card, has been added. The final race of the day will have a Super High Five wager providing there is a seven horse field (or higher) entered.

 

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.

 

EVANGELINE DOWNS RETURNS TO RACING ON FRIDAY NIGHT

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LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT ON JULY 4 AND “SHINE” YOUNG FUTURITIES ON AUGUST 29

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs is returning to racing on Friday, June 5 with the first of 50 live racing nights featuring a nine-race program. The season had originally been scheduled to kick off on April 8, but that opening was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be two major evenings of stakes racing held during the season. Louisiana Legends Night, Evangeline Downs’ annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbred, will be held on Saturday, July 4, as six stakes races will be run with purses totaling $360,000. Also, there will be two divisions of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity, one for 2-year-old fillies and one for 2-year-old colts and geldings, contested on the final night of the season on Saturday, August 29.

The well-being of our equine athletes is always paramount at Evangeline Downs and because of that a new rail that has been installed on the turf course this season. The rail is from Duralock Performance Fencing of Oxfordshire, England and is made from vinyl, which increases the safety for both horses and riders should they contact it. This rail is currently in use in racing jurisdictions around the globe including Dubai, France, the United Kingdom, New York and Kentucky.

Live racing at Evangeline Downs will be conducted this season on a Wednesday-Saturday weekly schedule. Post time this season will be 5:50 pm Central Time.

 

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

 

Minimum Purses Lowered for Non-Listed Stakes for 2020

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The North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee voted May 21 to lower the minimum purse requirement for existing non-listed black-type races by 20% for the remainder of 2020. Because of the impact of COVID-19 on live race meets and casino operations that support purse funds, the NAICSC lowered the minimum purse for non-listed black-type races that ran prior to 2019 from $50,000 to $40,000 for the remainder of 2020, and the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran for the first time in 2019 will be reduced from $75,000 to $60,000 for their second running in 2020.

Requests to receive black type for any new races will continue to be reviewed by a subcommittee of NAICSC and require a minimum purse of $75,000. These changes provide racetracks with some flexibility in continuing to offer their black-type stakes without either putting a race’s black-type status at risk or forcing them to not offer a race at all.

Read BloodHorse Article

LTBA to Resume Regular Hours Beginning Tuesday, May 26

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Beginning Tuesday, May 26, Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association is resuming regular office hours. Staff will be at the Fair Grounds office from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. to handle all LTBA business.

For the safety of our members as well as our staff, the door will remain locked. The vast majority of any LTBA business can be handled by phone or over the internet.

We ask that anyone needing to come into the office to complete LTBA business, please call first. 504-947-4676. In the effort to practice safe “social distancing” and reduce potential COVID-19 exposure, our staff will be working on a rotational basis. A phone call will insure that the person you need to see will be in.

Texas Governor’s Order Allows Simulcasting, Live Racing With Fans To Begin May 22

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order no. GA-23, issued this Monday, will allow for the reopening of the state’s simulcast racing on May 22. The order, relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster, states that facilities may “operate at up to 25 percent of the total sited occupancy of the establishment.”

At 9 p.m. ET Monday, Lone Star Park has not made an official announcement regarding whether or not it is prepared to begin live racing on the 22nd, this coming Friday.

Executive Order No. GA-23, reads, in part:

“Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, for all Texas counties except Deaf Smith, El Paso, Moore, Potter, and Randall counties:

…

D. Bowling alleys, bingo halls, simulcast racing to the extent authorized by state law, and skating rinks that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment; provided, however, that (i) bowling alleys must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating lanes; and (ii) components of the establishments that have video arcades must remain closed.
E. Rodeos and equestrian events that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy or, for outdoor areas, at up to 25 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the facility owner; provided, however, that this authorizes only the rodeo or equestrian event and not larger gatherings, such as county fairs, in which such an event may be held.”

Read Paulick Report Article

Boyd Gaming Commences Property Reopening Process

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Properties in Louisiana, Mississippi to Resume Operations This Week

LAS VEGAS, May 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) today announced plans to resume operations at seven properties in Louisiana and Mississippi, pending receipt of final regulatory approvals.

On Wednesday, May 20, Boyd Gaming plans to reopen three Louisiana properties: Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel and Treasure Chest Casino.  On Thursday, May 21, the Company will reopen its two Mississippi properties: IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi and Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica.

The following week, Boyd Gaming plans to resume operations at two additional properties in Louisiana: Amelia Belle Casino and Sam’s Town Shreveport.

These will be the first Boyd Gaming properties to reopen following the closure of all Company properties nationwide in mid-March, following state mandates aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Upon reopening, the properties will operate with limited amenities and capacity restrictions in compliance with state and local requirements.

“As we begin the process of reopening our properties nationwide, the health and safety of our customers, our team members and our communities will be our highest priority,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming.  “Across the country, we are implementing comprehensive safety protocols approved by local, state and federal health officials. We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen most of our properties over the next several weeks, and we look forward to offering our guests a safe and enjoyable entertainment experience.”

Upon reopening, all Boyd Gaming properties will practice “Boyd Clean,” a set of comprehensive protocols aimed at protecting the health and safety of our team members and guests.  These protocols include:

  • Mandatory face coverings and temperature checks for all team members;
  • Social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions across all customer and team member areas, including casino floors and restaurants;
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, gaming machines, table games, handrails and elevator buttons;
  • Increased placement of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout our properties;
  • Required training for all team members on our safety protocols.

For additional information on the Boyd Clean initiative, visit www.boydgaming.com.

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