Point- toPoint races go on with no audience

EASTMARLBOROUGH » The Willowdale Steeplechase is jumping in to help the sport of steeplechasing continue creatively during the pandemic.

Willowdale will host three Point- to- Point races and one sanctioned race Oct. 17. No spectators will be permitted.

The Willowdale Steeplechase is committed to the health and safety of all participants and members of the community and as such will follow strict COVID 19 protocol in accordance with CDC and state of Pennsylvania guidelines.

To adhere to these safety measures, this will be a no spectator event.

A COVID- 19 screening questionnaire will be completed and a temperature check will be done as each person enters the grounds. Mask wearing, hand sanitizing and social distancing will be mandatory and strictly enforced throughout the day. Only participating horsemen, officials and volunteers will be granted access to the property andmust be on the list of participants.

“Our goal is to keep the sport of steeplechasing healthy as we weather this pandemic,” saidRaceChairman Dixon Stroud. “We want to help the trainers and riders keep theirhorses sharp for the fall andspring races and make use of this wonderful racecourse. We look forward to better times when we can once again invite our fans, celebrate our local community and raise money for our charities.”

Dixon also credited Kathy Neilson, president of the Steeplechase Owners

and Trainers Association for her support as well as several donors who provided the financial support to make the day possible. Stroud noted how special itwas to be able to host the BNY Mellon Wealth Management & Selkirk Partners race, run in honor ofKathy’s father and, his close friend, Louis “Paddy” Neilson III.

The first race will be a 1 ½ - mileapprenticeriderflat race. The second is amaiden timber race and the third an open timber race both run at threemiles. Theseareunsanctioned races.

The final race is a sanctioned race — the Apprentice Timber Race. Entries are taken by the National Steeplechase Association.

Entries for the Point- toPoint races can be made through the Central Entry Office. Entries will be taken through Oct. 12.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Willowdale Steeplechase will host Point- to- Point races and an Apprentice Timber Race in honor of Louis Neilson III.