And they’re off … until further notice.
Concerned for the health and safety of the racing community due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Thursday that Belmont Park’s spring/summer meet will be delayed.
Belmont’s gates were slated to open for live action on April 24 with 51 days of racing scheduled, including the 152nd Belmont Stakes on June 6. With no firm date set and Saratoga optimistically anticipating to open on time in mid-July, race days will be reduced. A decision on when the Belmont Stakes will be run is still to be determined.
“We are working closely with the New York State Gaming Commission and public health officials to determine a timeline for the resumption of racing,” Dave O’Rourke, NYRA CEO and president, said.
The NYRA has been shut down since Gandy Dancing won the finale at Aqueduct on March 15.
“I’d like to thank the New York horsemen and the backstretch community for their dedication and patience as we navigate these uncertain times together,” O’Rourke said.