As most of the sports world continues its hiatus from the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), horse racing has been interrupted at select racetracks. That includes the cancellation of racing at Turf Paradise (Arizona) and Parx (Pennsylvania) due to the coronavirus concerns.
But others remain open and racing without fans in the stands. This past weekend, the Road to the Kentucky Derby continued with the running of the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park and $250,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park. Both those races awarded Kentucky Derby points to the top four finishers with the winner of the Rebel securing 50 points and the Jeff Ruby winner adding 20 points.
Horses continue to accrue points while the status of the Kentucky Derby remains in question. Churchill Downs released a statement that the Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled to September, 5 2020.
Major racetracks continue without fans in the stands
Many racetracks made announcements on March 12 regarding their racing schedules. In an effort to preserve public health and safety with concerns surrounding the coronavirus, live racing will continue “spectator-free” without the public or fans in the stands. Only licensed personnel, racing officials, essential staff, horsemen, owners, accredited media and limited friends and family will be allowed at the racetracks.
How to bet on horse racing online
That means you can still bet on races big and small on betting apps like TVG and FanDuel Racebook. Racetracks continuing with live racing include:
- Aqueduct: Queens, New York
- Churchill Downs: Louisville, Kentucky
- Fair Grounds: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Gulfstream Park: Hallandale Beach, Florida
- Keeneland: Lexington, Kentucky
- Oaklawn Park: Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Santa Anita Park: Arcadia, California
- Turfway Park: Florence, Kentucky
Bet on races every day
Plans and schedules at the race tracks are subject to change, of course. But for now, gamblers can still bet on horse races online and legally.
