WINNIPEG SUN – Josh Aldrich
March 28, 2020
Assiniboia Downs is contemplating the potential of running a horse racing season without fans, at least to start.
COVID-19 is the latest blow to an industry that has struggled to stay front of mind with a long growing list of entertainment options.
Assiniboia Downs is currently scheduled to start their season on Mother’s Day weekend, but a prolonged shut down to the coronavirus could push that date back. From there it will become a conversation as to how long they can delay the season or if they run without people in the stands.
If they do run without fans, it will be about saving the industry.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
More than two dozen Ontario-bred juveniles are catalogued for the June 9-12 sale in Florida; gallop show is underway for the large auction.
It has been a long and unsettling wait for Thoroughbred racing since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but racing is set to begin June 6 in Ontario.
Sean and Dorothy Fitzhenry's popular homebred gelding was pulled up in a workout and was deemed to have an injury to his pelvis.
Winnipeg track receives a small percentage of lofty wagering totals as betting is done through Woodbine's HorsePlayer Interactive.
