Penn National to run reduced schedule in 2021; Parx trims 18 dates

Penn National racetrack and Parx racetrack will race next year on the weekly schedules the tracks adopted in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the region’s horsemen’s group.

During the pandemic, Penn National in Grantville dropped Thursday and Saturday nights from its weekly schedule and went to a Wednesday and Friday night schedule, with more races per card. Next year, the track plans the same weekly schedule, but for only 96 total live race dates, down from the 164 that were planned for this year before the pandemic began disrupting racing schedules across the country in the spring.

Parx racetrack, which is located outside of Philadelphia, will continue to run on a year-round Monday through Wednesday schedule in 2020, for a total of 152 days, down from the 170 dates that were scheduled for this year. Prior to the pandemic, Parx ran on a Saturday through Tuesday schedule.

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Many tracks have altered their dates during the pandemic to take advantage of spots on the weekly calendar where there is less competition in the simulcast market. Nearly all wagering during the pandemic has been conducted through account-wagering platforms.

Presque Isle Downs will run 100 race cards on a Monday through Thursday schedule from May 10-Oct. 21, according to the Pennsylvania Racing Commission.