LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington will not allow spectators at its immensely popular spring meet from opening day on April 2 until at least April 11, the track announced Thursday, just following an announcement from Turfway Park that the track will be closed for spectators through the remainder of its meet. The two Thursday afternoon announcements followed similar moves by racetracks across the United States and around the globe, all in reaction to the burgeoning threat of coronavirus. While all the tracks announced bans on spectators, they all will continue to hold racing, with the hopes that horseplayers will bet the signals from home. Turfway Park is holding its lone Kentucky Derby prep, the Jeff Ruby Steaks, on Saturday, and it has heavily promoted the race. Refunds will be issued to anyone who had bought tickets to the event. Turfway’s owner, Churchill Downs Inc., noted the wet-weather forecast for Saturday in its announcement that spectators would be barred. “Due to the large number of people expected to attend and the density of the crowd these weather conditions would create, the ability to ensure safe social distancing, per recent public health guidelines, would be compromised,” the company said.  Keeneland’s plan to bar spectators is being put in place three weeks prior to the track’s spring meet starting, even though the extent of the spread of the virus can be hard to predict. The track said automatic refunds will be issued to anyone who has bought tickets already for the cards held April 2-11, and that patrons who have purchased tickets for the remaining dates of the meet, April 15-24, “have the option to request a full refund at any time.” :: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Keeneland will decide whether to permit spectators beginning April 15 after consulting with local health and government officials, the track said. The spring race meet is one of the most heavily anticipated events on the social and sporting calendar in Lexington, the center of the U.S. breeding industry. In addition to locals, the meet draws charter buses full of tourists from surrounding states. Keeneland also said that it has canceled its upcoming 2-year-old in training sale scheduled for April 7. “While our horsemen and fans are certainly disappointed about us having to take these measures, it is critical to protect the health and safety of our patrons, employees, and participants from the spread of COVID-19,” the company’s chief executive, Bill Thomason, said in a press release. “We take our responsibility to the community and the horse industry seriously and we will continue to work in partnership with government authorities.” Separately, Churchill Downs announced that preparations to host the Kentucky Derby on May 2 “are still moving forward.” “With the event still seven weeks away, a decision will be made closer to the date, with respect to postponing the event until later in the year, using the most recent information while working with and seeking guidance from public health experts and authorities,” the company said.