Penn National horsemen hope to run soon
Dynatail winning the 2017 Penn Oaks. Photo by The Racing Biz.
The long wait in Grantville may be coming to an end soon.
Pennsylvania’s racetracks have been dark since mid-March, a stretch during which horsemen have been without incomes even as expenses mounted.
But in a statement tweeted out June 6, Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) executive director Todd Mostoller said he expects racing to resume at Penn National — one of three Thoroughbred tracks that races during the summer in the Keystone State — to resume within two weeks.
“We expect approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health [of proposed COVID-19 protocols to be employed at the track], which will allow racing to resume at Penn National on Friday, June 19th,” Mostoller wrote.
If that occurs, it will mean the track misses just about exactly three months of racing. Among the casualties have been the Grade 2 Penn Mile, the biggest race contested at the track.
According to the statement, gate schooling at Penn National will resume Tuesday, June 9 and will take place on a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule. Horses ready to come off the vet’s list can work the week of June 8 for clearance.
An update for horsemen at @HollywoodPenn… pic.twitter.com/q5bdVWX3aw
— Pa HBPA (@PA_HBPA) June 6, 2020
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Virginia breeder program provides millions
Virginia breeders earned millions in 2020 from a Breeders Fund bonus program that paid 40% bonuses on all winning purses nationwide.
Owner-breeder Frank P. Wright passes
Frank P. Wright, a longtime owner and breeder in Maryland whose best runners included graded stakes stars, passed away at 95.
The week in social media: Jan. 8
Two Maryland-breds head to the Pegasus World Cup, a training legend retires, and more, in the week in social media.
Colonial Downs expands gaming network
The Colonial Downs Group held a ribbon-cutting January 8 to announce the opening of a new OTB and gaming emporium in Dumfries, VA.
Wagering handle flat despite fewer racedays
Though the pandemic led to many fewer racedays in 2020 than in 2019, national wagering handle held steady – though what that means is open to debate.
The week in social media: Dec. 31
Talking Pimlico and Laurel renovations, another stakes win for Harpers First Ride, and more, in the week in social media.
