Santa Anita Park has received a boost from the Los Angeles County Health Department in its efforts to return to racing – slated for Friday – as the County announced a revision to its health and safety guidelines.
Horse racing will be conducted at the iconic venue without spectators with only essential personnel permitted on course to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As part of the strict protocols put in place, Santa Anita officials have mandated that face masks are to be worn at all times and daily health screening including temperature checks will take place.
Social distancing will continue to be mandatory while increased sanitation procedures will also be implemented. There will be a restricted zone for jockeys and specific zones of the race track will only be granted access to personnel who have tested negative to an official COVID test.
Santa Anita Park has received approval from the Los Angeles County Health Department to resume live racing beginning Friday, May 15 under strict protocols. Click the link to read the full press release. https://t.co/jYl2Mi8pIo pic.twitter.com/xtL1WXl1WK
— Santa Anita Park (@santaanitapark) May 13, 2020
Executive director of California Racing Operations for the Stronach Group, Aidan Butler was grateful to the health department in light of its latest revision.
“We are very grateful for the open and continuous communication with both the Health Department and Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office,” he said.
“Supervisor Barger in particular understood the importance of live racing to support thousands of individuals, and that we are able to accomplish it safely under these protocols.
“We also want to thank our stakeholders, including the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Trainers, the Jockeys Guild, our Santa Anita Park team and our fans for their patience during this pandemic.
“This has been a difficult time for all. Now we are focused on getting back to work in a safe and secure manner.”
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