Racing set to take place behind closed doors for the first time
AS THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK SEES SPORTING FIXTURES ACROSS THE COUNTY DECIMATED, RACING WILL BE HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF SLIGO RACES
WITH the situation being monitored closely by Horse Racing Ireland from week to week, it is looking likely that Sligo Races will take place behind closed doors on Sunday, May 3rd.
This has never happened before in the history of Sligo Races, that a meeting will be held without the public.
As the country shuts down in the fight against the spread of Covid-19, most sporting fixtures have been postponed as people are advised about the importance of social distancing.
As it stands, the first meeting of the 7-card fixture on May 3rd will be held with only jockeys, trainers, grooms, doctors and officials from the Irish Horse Racing Board present.
There will be a maximum of 200 people allowed in and no owners will be permitted entry.
Extremely strict hygiene practices will be followed throughout the day and there will be clear guidelines for people to maintain social distancing.
There will be no facilities open, including catering.
The gates will be closed, an isolation room will be present and some of the buildings will be open to allow extra space for jockeys.
In keeping in line with Horse Racing Ireland restrictions, there will be no presentations, no overseas horses and there is an increase of 2 pounds in jockeys’ weights.
Cleaning staff will be cleaning surfaces such as handles, stairs and so forth throughout the day.
The only way the public can watch the racing is on television.
Kathryn Foley, Racecourse Manager told The Sligo Champion that it’s a situation they never thought they would be in.
Kathryn said: “It is strange for us, but there is nothing we can do about it. We would never have thought that we would be in this situation and we will do our best.
“Anything can change between now and May 3rd, every week there is meetings to see what’s going to happen.
“As it stands racing will be on May 3rd as scheduled with major restrictions.
“There will be no owners permitted and only horses, trainers, jockeys and grooms along with the Order of Malta doctors and officials from the Horse Racing Board.
“The limit has been reduced to 200 people.
“There will be no facilities open to the public, there will be no catering facilities at all and we will only have essential personnel.
“The names and phone numbers of everyone entering will be recorded. There will be an isolation room available and some buildings open to give extra space for jockeys, as in line with HSE guidelines.
“There are seven races on the day and there are other restrictions including no overseas runners for the time being and no presentations. Horse Racing Ireland have their own designated list of journalists and photographers, a very limited number will be allowed access, maybe one journalist.
“There is a weight change of a two pound increase as there are no saunas available.
“We will be making sure there is additional space between individuals to adhere to social distancing.
“There will be alternative facilities for jockeys.
“The gates and doors will unfortunately be closed to the public,” Kathryn added. “It is strange for us. The cleaning staff will be making sure everything is pristine. We will be disinfecting everything throughout the day and at the end of it all there will be a deep clean of all the facilities.
“Although it’s a much smaller staff, they will have to be very vigilant. There will be Government signage up throughout.
“Once their races are over, the horses and trainers will leave.
“It will be broadcast on Racing TV and also transmitted into bookies’ offices.”
The second fixture of Sligo Races is scheduled for May 19th so there is a short space between the dates.
“The next race is Tuesday, May 19th which is only two weeks later.
“A lot can happen and if everybody relies on the guidelines, hopefully it will be over quickly and we can hopefully bounce back.
“We are in a bad position with hotels, restaurants, bars and so forth all suffering and they all need our support once we recover.
“Everybody will be ready to go outut by then! If we can continue racing behind closed doors it will be good for us as we have the likes of the media money to keep us afloat.
“The main priority is about keeping people safe and pro
WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN WE WELCOME ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS BACK ON THE RACECOURSE AND HOPEFULLY THAT IS NOT TOO LONG.
tecting jobs.
“We look forward to the day when we welcome all of our supporters back on the racecourse and hopefully that is not too long,” Kathryn added.