Delaware Park proposes later start, shorter meet

Racing at Delaware Park – off in the 2018 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes. Photo by Allison Janezic.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the dates for the upcoming 83rd season of live racing have been revised at Delaware Park.

Opening Day has been pushed back three weeks to Wednesday, June 17 and the meet will now conclude on Saturday, October 17. Originally, the track had been slated to run from May 27 to October 31.

The 65-day meet, reduced by 20 days, is subject to approval by Governor John Carney for racing to commence, with or without fans, and the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission (DTRC) for the revised schedule.

Live racing will be conducted three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Thursdays will be added July 16th and continue through October 1st. First race daily post time is set for 1:15 p.m. The Grade II Delaware Handicap is still scheduled for Saturday, July 11th and the Grade III Delaware Oaks is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th.

Racing will be conducted with enhanced safety protocols compiled from recommendations by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Delaware state health officials, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). These increased safety protocols include, but are not limited to:

• Temperature checks and health screening questionnaires at the facility and stable area;
• Strict social distancing requirements;
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (facial coverings and gloves);
• Frequent disinfecting of all areas with EPA registered and CDC approved cleaning solutions effective against the COVID-19 virus;

The Delaware Park stable area is currently open with 240 horses in training. Trainers must contact the Racing Office before shipping

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