NYRA reviewing New York guidelines on sports spectators

Though New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that beginning Feb. 23 large sports venues such as arenas and stadiums in the state could begin hosting fans – up to 10 percent of the venue’s capacity and under strict COVID-19 protocols – it remains to be seen what that means for the New York Racing Association.

Cuomo’s guidance for re-opening those venues, such as Madison Square Garden, includes the venue receiving Department of Health approval, mandatory COVID-19 testing for patrons and staff 72 hours prior to an event, and mandatory, socially-distanced seating. Another component is the venue must meet enhanced air-filtration, ventilation, and purification standards. It is not clear whether Aqueduct has the high-efficiency particulate air ventilation, or HEPA, system that Cuomo has required for most indoor venues to re-open.

Aqueduct, which hosts racing on this circuit through April 18, has allowed a limited number of owners to attend the races, opening the second floor to do so. Part of the first floor has been used the last few weeks as a COVID-19 vaccine distribution center.

“NYRA is reviewing the newly announced guidelines to determine how they apply to Aqueduct Racetrack, where the first floor is currently the site of a New York State COVID-19 vaccination center, and to Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said Wednesday in a statement.

Last March, when the pandemic first hit, NYRA conducted racing at Aqueduct for three days without fans before racing was halted entirely prior to the March 20 card. Since June 3, when racing resumed at Belmont Park, NYRA has conducted racing at its three venues without fans. Shortly after the start at Saratoga last July, NYRA allowed a limited number of owners to attend the races under strict COVID-19 protocols.

In an interview with Daily Racing Form last December, NYRA president and CEO Dave O’Rourke said he hoped the association would be able to allow fans back ontrack at the Belmont Park spring/summer meet that begins April 22.

“NYRA has been conducting live racing without spectators in attendance since June 3, and we are eager to welcome racing fans back to our venues at the appropriate time and with the approval of the New York State Gaming Commission,” McKenna said.