Thistledown, Belterra get green light to open later in month

The Ohio State Racing Commission on Thursday approved a measure that would allow Belterra racetrack in Cincinnati and Thistledown racetrack in the Cleveland area to open for live racing as early as May 22, consistent with an announcement just a short time later by the state government.

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Neither Belterra nor Thistledown started its 2020 meet as planned in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The resolution passed by the commission would also allow the two tracks to open their stables areas for training on Saturday, provided the tracks adhere to protocols designed to limit the spread of the virus.

On Thursday afternoon, shortly after the OSRC action, the state announced that horse racing can begin “as soon as” on May 22. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said that no spectators will be allowed, however, and that the state’s casinos, which provide significant subsidies to racetracks, will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

“We’re only talking about the agricultural aspects of this, no spectators,” Husted said. He added that the state government has worked with the racing commission on the protocols that would apply to the conduct of live racing.

Racing has been shut down in Ohio since March 18, when Mahoning Valley closed its doors under a government directive.