Racing continues amidst strict regulations

Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita continued to race without spectators on Friday, a day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state’s 40 million residents to stay home in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

A select number of business deemed essential have been allowed to stay open.

In the hours before the two tracks began their programs on Friday, officials with The Stronach Group, the parent company of both venues, discussed the ongoing racing operation with government officials. The presence of approximately 1,500 racehorses in the Santa Anita barns and the staffs required for their care were a leading point in discussions.

“There was a lot going on,” Craig Fravel, the chief executive officer of racing operations for The Stronach Group, said in a phone interview. “People are quite understanding for the need to care for these animals. Maintaining a revenue stream is hugely important to keep them in one place and keep the backstretch workers on site and housed.”

In a message on Twitter, Santa Anita announced that “profits from racing will go to a charity or multiple charities supporting coronavirus relief efforts in the community.”

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Since March 14, betting on racing has been limited to account wagering providers.

Racing continues at a time when day-to-day operations at the track are being strictly controlled.

The Stronach Group on Thursday announced an expanded list of protocols to reduce the chances of an outbreak of coronavirus at its tracks across the country.

The backstretches at Santa Anita, Golden Gate Fields, and the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego county have been closed to stable employees from other states. The ban includes jockeys, trainers, grooms and exercise riders.

Only trainers and their “essential” staff will be granted admission during racing hours. Owners, media, and fans cannot attend. In addition, the starting gate will be disinfected between races and members of the gate crew must wear gloves and have no physical contact.

All jockeys will have their temperatures tested daily and will be denied entrance if showing any sign of illness. Riders must wear gloves at all times and cannot have physical contact with other riders.

Food service will be available in backstretch cafeterias, with a carry-out policy encouraged.

The protocols are in place at a time when Aqueduct in New York and tracks in Maryland and Pennsylvania have suspended racing because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Gulfstream Park canceled its Friday races to enact additional protocols, but indicated in a statement that the venue planned to hold races this weekend.

The absence of spectators from the races has created a different vibe during the afternoons, according to participants in attendance. Some track executives are even working remotely. Fravel said on Friday that he was working at his Southern California home.