The closure of New York racetrack Aqueduct was seemingly inevitable as New York’s death toll from the coronavirus continues to rise in the thousands daily, however from the depths of darkness a wonderful story has grown.
Once a bustling racetrack providing the Nation with some of the best Thoroughbred racing during the spring and summer months, the New York Racing Association (NYRC) has donated the track to the cause of the Coronavirus pandemic, acting as a makeshift hospital as New York’s contraction rates continue to rise.
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, announced that Aqueduct will be used as a hospital for the recovery of coronavirus patients of New York.
Having sought federal approval to construct a temporary hospital at Aqueduct Racetrack to serve the borough of Queens, Aqueduct has now become a facility housing more than 1,000 patients who have tested positive to the virus.
NYRA’s CEO Dave O’Rourke confirmed Saturday night local time in New York City that Aqueduct was to be transformed into a hospital.
“The governor’s ability to quickly marshal all available resources is saving lives and inspiring action both here in New York and across the nation.
“Now that Governor Cuomo has secured federal approval, Aqueduct Racetrack will serve as a safe haven for those recovering from this virus. We recognise that we all must work together as a community to meet this challenge and emerge stronger for it.
“NYRA also joins the governor in extending our deepest gratitude to the first responders, medical professionals and volunteers who continue to operate on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.”
The Big-A as Aqueduct is known, was scheduled to start racing on Sunday, this weekend. That has now been put off indefinitely.
Aqueduct’s sister track in New York, Belmont, was slated to start racing on 24 April ahead of the new season. It features 58 stakes races and over $18 million in prize money over the course of 51 race days.
