Big news Horse Racing fans.
We have heard from multiple sources that beginning next week, Gulfstream Park will be allowing, on a controlled and limited basis, people back to the track during live race days.
They are targeting Thursday, June 4th as the date, but Wednesday June 3rd is a possibility.
A lot of work and planning is going into this, as it includes all Covid-19 precautions, including, but not limited to social distancing, individual temperature testing, must wear masks, health inspections, and many other strict guidelines.
It will be tightly controlled and will be by “Invitation” only. You cannot just walk up and enter the track. My understanding is it will be limited to Owners, Trainers and their staff, and VIP invites by TSG and XpressBet.
It’s possible that Owners and Trainers will have their own private area at the Large “Tiki” tent on the North end of the Clubhouse facing the track. Otherwise all invitees will only be allowed in the Silks Simulcast Center, a state-of-the-art Simulcast room, with more than 70 flat-panel televisions and 2 LED screens that showcase some of the world’s greatest horse racing. The simulcast center is complete with comfortable carrels for betters to have their own private booth, and their own personal TV. As for food and beverage, I am hearing it will be limited to water, soda, beer, with some food / snack items, but we haven’t been able to confirm the food and beverage aspect.
There will be no outdoor seating along the track apron allowed.
We have also heard that there are plans for the following:
June 15 the Casino on the 2nd floor will open.
June 17 the Ten Palms restaurant will be open, again with limited social distancing seating, and food and beverages available.
Also, June 17th, outdoor seating in private boxes facing the track will be offered but must be reserved in advance.
Gulfstream Park and The Stronach Group has been under much scrutiny over the past 1 ½ years, but they should be applauded for keeping horse racing alive as the only live sport running, and working very hard over the past few months to allow fans back to their race tracks.
For me personally and for all us here at Past the Wire, we believe this to be a great step for the industry of horse racing, and for their fans.
Let us hope and pray we can all work together and make this a healthy, happy and safe return to some normalcy to the great sport we all love.
Ed Cofiño
Freelance writer for Past the Wire
You can follow Ed on Twitter @ItsMeEddieC
