Parx Racing suspended over coronavirus concerns
Racing at Parx. Photo by Allison Janezic.
While many tracks nationally have decided to continue to run — but without fans — Parx Racing in Bensalem, PA, is taking a different route. The Philadelphia-area track has suspended racing operations for a minimum of two weeks.
That makes Parx relatively unusual. The only other tracks canceling today are, according to Equibase, Mahnoning Valley Race Course and Fairmount Park.
A note on the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association website reads:
Due to the public health concerns posed by COVID-19, live racing at Parx will be suspended for a MINIMUM of two weeks. Training is as usual.
Other racetracks in the Mid-Atlantic have made different decisions. Charles Town Races and Penn National Race Course, both Hollywood Casino properties, continue to operate as normal. Laurel Park is racing as per normal but without fans.
The different decisions reflect in part the uncertainty surrounding what has now been declared a global pandemic that has caused thousands of deaths worldwide. Major sports, including the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, have put their seasons on hiatus for the time being, while the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) canceled its major basketball tournament and has also canceled all of its remaining winter and spring sports championships.
Parx typically would have run Saturday, as it hosts live racing on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday.Â
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
HISA delay bill introduced in US House
A Republican member of the US House of Representatives from Texas has introduced legislation to delay the implementation of HISA until 2024.
Fasig-Tipton yearling sale “very solid” despite declines
The just-concluded Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale saw declines versus 2021, but its numbers were easily better than prior years.
Fasig-Tipton: Maryland-breds shine on first day
A slow-starting first session of the Fasig-TIpton Midlantic fall yearling sale picked up steam later, and Maryland-breds led the way.
Fasig-Tipton: Yearling sale has Maryland flavor
The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale is set to kick off Monday, and it has a distinctly Maryland flavor: more than 200 hips were bred in Maryland.
Delaware Park turf course dedicated to John Mooney
On its Owners Day, Delaware Park dedicated its turf course to longtime exec John Mooney and, with horsemen and riders, made a donation to the PDJF.
Meadowlands cancels Saturday card
Due to a forecast calling for heavy rain, live racing has been canceled for Saturday, Oct. 1, for the all-turf Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet.
Hi,Been owning and all about these lovely thoroughbreds 40years.These closures are terrifying. Let’s stand with the little trainers. Hire them and cut loose some of the non horse owning help.once people are forced to sell off their stock, maybe to kill buyers,these wonderful horses and the future they bring are gone ,forever.Races won’t fill. So many smaller trainers really love their horses.The broken hearts may never heal. So let’s really support each other. Thanks sawdust Susie