Statement from the Maryland Horsemen’s Association regarding the resumption of live racing in Maryland.
On May 13, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that Maryland is entering Phase 1 of the Roadmap to Recovery plan, which allows local jurisdictions to determine which businesses can begin to reopen and the conditions under which they can operate. As previously advised, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Jockey Club have provided detailed and extensive protocols to Governor Hogan and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman should we be permitted to reopen. They are an extension of what we are currently and safely doing during training day-in and day-out.
We believe our protocols, evidenced by our safe track record for the past two months, are sufficient, meet current public health and safety requirements and should enable us to reopen, albeit without spectators.
As a result, we are hopeful that we can resume live racing effective May 22 and have tentative plans to that effect. In light of this, MTHA encourages horsemen to begin preparing now should this become a reality. However, horsemen should understand and appreciate that we are a government sanctioned and regulated business and the decision to reopen, and the conditions under which we can do so, rests with state and local officials.
Be assured that the MTHA and its leadership team, together with MJC and the Stronach Group, are leaving no stone unturned in getting us back to live racing as soon as possible. We acknowledge and appreciate the difficulties everyone is currently experiencing. We are committed to getting racing reopened, but must be mindful that in this unprecedented international crisis, the public’s health, safety and welfare, in addition to our horse’s, is paramount.
We are hopeful that we will have positive news shortly.
The Maryland Horsemen’s Association
