Hold your horses

In this June 27 file photo, Apache wins the debut race at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. This was the first race day since Covid-19 health measure were relaxed. - Angelo M. Marcelle
In this June 27 file photo, Apache wins the debut race at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. This was the first race day since Covid-19 health measure were relaxed. - Angelo M. Marcelle

HORSE racing enthusiasts may have to wait a bit longer to attend the race track in Santa Rosa, as Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said he has to seek legal advice on whether fans are allowed to return to racing at 50 per cent capacity.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister gave the all clear for casinos and member clubs to re-open from October 26, but at 50 per cent capacity.

At Santa Rosa, betting is a popular activity and horse racing fans are eagerly anticipating a return to the race track.

On Tuesday, in an interview with Newsday, Deyalsingh did not give horse racing fans the all clear. “I will have to seek a legal opinion. I don’t make these decisions on the fly…I have to consult with legal.”

Dr Rowley said, “(Concerning) casinos, cinemas, theatres and members clubs a fair amount of work has been done with the business community who have committed to be very diligent in managing this particular situation because they are indoors we are coming out very cautiously here at a 50 per cent capacity.”

Rowley said no eating and drinking will be allowed because masks must be worn. “If it is not observed it will be withdrawn.”

TT Members Club Association president Sherry Persad told Newsday she was relieved to hear the announcement.

When Newsday contacted Arima Race Club (ARC) president Robert Bernard on Monday, his understanding was the announcement by Rowley included spectators returning to Santa Rosa, which also serves as a betting centre.

He said, “We are going to be in a position to accommodate that number of people (50 per cent) if they come and with all the relevant (covid19) protocols in place.”

Bernard added, “People on the track also assist in the quantum of betting…betting keeps the industry alive.”

Horse racing, like all other local sports, came to a halt in mid-March because of covid19. On June 27, horse racing was allowed to resume without fans. Most sports are still on the bench locally, but some non-contact sports such as golf and tennis have resumed recently.

The ARC’s off track betting centres in St James and Curepe are expected be open from Thursday and will follow all covid19 protocols.

“We have to do all the sanitisation and putting all the relevant protocols and sanitisation stations…that should not be a problem. That should be an easy fix,” Bernard said.

On Tuesday, attempts to contact Bernard for clarity proved futile.

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