Arima Race Club looking to resume season behind closed doors

THE ARIMA Race Club (ARC) is looking to resume its 2021 season on October 23, behind closed doors, according to its CEO Ken Ogeer.

On Saturday, during a media conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, the Prime Minister said, “Horse racing can resume to vaccinated patrons. So, in the stands, we can have vaccinated (people).”

It was announced in Saturday’s media conference that this measure will start from November 1.

But Ogeer said that the ARC is keen to proceed with its plan to restart racing at the Santa Rosa Park, Arima from October 23.

“We are trying to have races next week Saturday without patrons,” said the ARC CEO. “We had already planned to have races on the 23rd, hoping we could operate within a safe zone. But, I understand, we could operate under a safe zone environment from the 1st of November.”

Last month, the ARC management issued a notice to all stakeholders, which stated, “In pursuance of their imminent reopening of the gambling industry, the Government has designated all betting facilities safe zones. It means that, with effect from the first race day, only fully vaccinated (people) will be allowed access to Santa Rosa Park on race days. In addition, all regular covid19 protocols will be strictly enforced.”

The last day of racing was on April 24, before Government re-implemented a covid19 lockdown.