Marquis Downs not yet at post for ’20 season
Track’s race manager says much depends on what the reopening protocol says
It’s supposed to be opening day at Marquis Downs; instead, the track remains quiet.
They’re champing at the bit, but they’re still a long way from the post.
Friday was supposed to be the first day of horse racing for the 2020 season at Marquis Downs, but Prairieland Park exhibition grounds facility remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s definitely disappointing,” says Rick Fior, race manager at Marquis Downs.
“It’s definitely disappointing for the horsemen and ourselves, as a race track; it’s very disappointing we’re not able to run. Unfortunately there are other tracks in the same position that we are, unable to run as well because of the pandemic. It’s more disappointing than anything.”
Opening day is always one of the highlights of the Marquis Downs season, along with the Saskatchewan Derby. The 59th running of the Derby is scheduled to run Sept. 6.
“You always look forward to the opening day of racing, to get racing going again,” Fior admitted. “Unfortunately, this year is something we’ve never experienced before and we’re kind of learning how to deal with this.”
Marquis Downs, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last season, is entering its 51st season of racing.
Races through until the end of June have been cancelled. July remains a question mark.
“Right now, horse racing falls under Phase 4 (of the Re-open Saskatchewan plan) so we’re a long ways away,” Fior noted.
“At the present time, I actually don’t really know until we can find out what’s all going to be involved in Phase 4. We’re an outdoor entertainment centre, but, of course, we don’t know what the restrictions or guidelines are going to be in Phase 4. And, of course, the main thing is for social gathering: how big are they going to allow a social gathering for an outdoor event? That will be the number that we’ll really be focused on. Until we find that out, or until we really find out what direction we’re heading into, we just really don’t know at this time.”
With the mandated closure of public facilities, a decision was made to officially cancel the May 29-30, June 12-13, June 19-20, and June 26 race dates.
“Now we’re going to wait until Phase 4 comes into play,” Fior said.
“Right now, we’re kind of in a waiting game. We’re not sure where we’re headed, what the number of people involved in a social gathering for an outdoor event, the regulations and all the stuff that goes along with that. We just kind of really don’t know where we’re headed right now.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to find something out or get some kind of insight for what’s going to happen in Phase 4, but until that happens, we’re just waiting like any other business in Phase 4.
“We’re all waiting.”
Another issue is the jockeys who ride the horses. Most are from other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica. Foreigners who enter the country face a 14-day quarantine before they can work.
There is no word on whether Marquis Downs could race in front of empty stands for an online-only betting model.
Right now, horse-racing enthusiasts can wager online with other tracks in Canada, North America and abroad on Hpibet.com.
The local races are on hold, for now. It looks like maybe July at the earliest.
“I’d like to know where we are headed, but at this time, I just can’t,” Fior said. “I’m just guessing and I don’t really want to guess because I could be guessing wrong. Basically, I would know more closer to the Phase 4 opening for a better update.”
We’re an outdoor entertainment centre, but ... don’t know what the restrictions or guidelines are going to be in Phase 4.