Are Racetracks Next??

[richiebee]

Johnny:

As I understand things, this virus will affect millions of people, with the
greatest risk of serious illness or death being, as you say, for the elderly
and or those with underlying health issues.

By allowing people to come together in large groups, chances increase that
large numbers of people will become sick in a short period of time,
overwhelming hospitals and healthcare professionals.

So lets say, simplifying and using round numbers, that 100 million Americans
will catch this virus. There is a big difference if 50 million people get sick
in each of the next two months (overwhelming our healthcare infrastructure), as
opposed to 10 million people being stricken each month over the next 10 months.
This is why (and as I type this apparently March Madness has been cancelled?)
there is a concerted effort to prevent people from congregating in large
groups.

I am trying to remain calm, but now regret having read \"Andromeda Strain\", \"The
Stand\" and \"The Hot Zone\".

The largest benefit of a Kentucky Derby without spectators would be the absence
of the ridiculous TV network coverage of celebrities, their selections, their
hats, what they are drinking, etc.

[FrankD.]

No need to cancel Aqueduct if they are worried about groups of 500 or more.....

[philywheel]

https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/

philywheel

[NoCarolinaTony]

Keeneland will race with no fans for first two weeks.

[trackjohn]

Richie:

If you regret reading those books what ever you do DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE CONTAGION!!

[richiebee]

Actually saw it and enjoyed watching the doctors saw the top of Gwyneth Paltrow’s skull off during the autopsy.

Have been singing one of your favorite Billy Joel songs to myself all day... “Seen The Lights Go Out on Broadway”

[trackjohn]

How fitting...\"I\'ve seen the Empire State lay low...

[richiebee]

Strangely, a window of opportunity for the beleaguered Racing industry.

Because if racing somehow continues, but casinos and all team sports are shut down for a significant amount of time....

Here’s the commercial to be run repeatedly on TV over the next months: the usual footage of a stretch duel in super slow motion. The voice over says, seductively, “We’re the only game in town...”

[FrankD.]

Who is the voice? Navarro or Servis ðŸ¤"

[richiebee]

Frankie Rainbow:

In my mind it’s a female voice. Any female but my wife.

Kind of convenient that MLB and NHL are on hiatus, giving Yankee lineup and Kreider time to heal.

[KeithB]

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Oaklawn Park will not allow spectators ontrack this weekend in the wake of the international coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the track announced Thursday night. The policy will be in place for at least Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The races, which include three stakes Saturday, will go on as scheduled.

Oaklawn joins a growing list of racetracks suspending ontrack spectators. Officials said in the press release they will be working closely with government officials to determine when the racing side of operations can be reopened to the public. Owners will be able to watch their horses from the track’s sportsbook, but not the grandstand

[Bet Twice]

If big crowds are the criteria then other than the big days and boutique meets, they can keep running.

[Bet Twice]

Your assuming things will be under control in the coming months.  Nothing I’ve seen supports that.  Even if we manage to contain it, we’re still going to want to avoid large gatherings or risk it flaring up again.  If the hope is that it dies down in the warmer months, that’s a possibility, but by no means guaranteed.

[statuette]

They are testing vaccines “hopefully” it will be available in the near future ðŸ'

[BitPlayer]

What I\'m reading is that testing in humans may begin later this year, but that any vaccine will not be available until next year.