Del Mar submits request to race July 27 as make-up date

Del Mar has submitted a request to the California Horse Racing Board to race on Monday, July 27, to make up one of the three days of racing lost this weekend after a coronavirus outbreak among jockeys.

Track president Josh Rubinstein told a teleconference hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners of California on Thursday afternoon that Del Mar is hoping to gain rapid approval to race July 27.

Del Mar announced Wednesday that it would not race from Friday through Sunday this weekend after 15 jockeys tested positive for coronavirus. The jockeys are in the midst of a 10-day quarantine period.

The track said at the time it plans to resume racing on Friday, July 24. If approved, there would be four consecutive days of racing beginning July 24.

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“We want to let folks know that we intend to do our best to make up for races lost this weekend,” Rubinstein said.

If approved, the July 27 racing day would be one of two Monday programs at the summer meeting. The meeting is scheduled to close on Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 7.

Racing secretary David Jerkens told teleconference listeners that additional races could be added to the July 24-26 programs to replace races canceled this weekend.

During the discussion, Rubinstein reiterated comments he made earlier this month saying track officials are hopeful that horse owners will be able to attend races at some point this summer. Owners are not currently allowed to attend races.