Fonner Park suspends racing due to coronavirus

Fonner Park in Grand Island, Neb., announced Monday it has suspended racing until further notice at the request of Mayor Roger Steele. The move follows a request by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts that attendance at sporting events be limited to less than 250 people, according to a press release from Fonner.

“The very essence of Fonner Park is to be a civic pillar and agriculture benefactor for Central Nebraska,” Chris Kotulak, chief executive officer of Fonner, said in the release. “Our purpose, business, and hundreds of employees and horsemen will be drastically burdened, as will the crucial local taxes linked to all the events on the Fonner Park campus. Nevertheless, I understand and respect Mayor Steele’s decision.”

Fonner Keno will remain open, according to the press release.

Fonner’s meet opened Feb. 21 and is scheduled to run 31 dates through May 2. The biggest race of the season, the $75,000 Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Guss Fonner Stakes is April 25.

* Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico announced Monday it has closed its casino in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The track's annual mixed meet does not open until May 22.