Horse-racing eager for June 19 resumption

Racing enthusiasts are hopeful for a June 19 resumption of races at the Santa Rosa Park, Arima. - ROGER JACOB
Racing enthusiasts are hopeful for a June 19 resumption of races at the Santa Rosa Park, Arima. - ROGER JACOB

LOCAL horse-racing enthusiasts anticipate a June 19 resumption of races at Santa Rosa Park racecourse in Arima.

Although the fraternity is yet to receive approval to resume from the Government, leaders of the Arima Race Club (ARC), Betting Levy Board and TT Racing Authority remain hopeful they would be given the all-clear to continue the 2020 season.

Races have been on hold at the Arima venue since March 14 due to the global covid19 pandemic.

In a joint press release issued, on Wednesday, the leaders of the three organisations met on Monday “to chart an agreed way forward to re-start the local horse racing industry with live races at Santa Rosa Park racecourse in Arima.”

They propose these live Labour Day races will not feature any spectators during this time of transition to a new normal.

“All Government and Ministry of Health covid19 protocols will be followed. It is envisaged that the number of personnel required on that race day will be extremely limited to the bare essential with respect to congregating and the overall safety and welfare of the racehorses, grooms and jockeys.”

“We are hopeful that this resumption will occur as early as Friday 19th June 2020, subject to the approval from the Government and the local authorities charged with handling covid19.”

On Monday, ARC president Robert Bernard stated that the only additional people who will be at Santa Rosa for race days are time-keepers and the race announcer.

The release concluded, “We look forward to the resumption of the local horse racing industry as it means different things to different people, either a form of much needed employment or as an entertainment product for the future attraction of tourists and nationals to Santa Rosa Park in Arima.”

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