The Thoroughbred Owners of California received significant positive feedback from the owners who attended the races at Del Mar last weekend.
Please note that space has been increased to four licensed owners per horse. Unfortunately, non-licensed guests are still not permitted. If a horse has more than four owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available. Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com ) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day.
On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the gate on the east side of the track across from the receiving barn. Owners will be required to be on the owner reservation list, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a full COVID-19 health screening including a temperature check. Masks will be required to be worn at all times, and owners must respect social distancing guidelines.
The first come, first served seating is located in the spacious clubhouse box seat area. At this time, owners must remain in the clubhouse seating area and may not enter the paddock or the winners circle. Owners are still not permitted to access the backstretch. Any violation of this strict policy will result in a forfeiture of racetrack privileges.
Expanded Viewing for Owners at Golden Gate Fields
Morning Workouts: Owners were previously limited to attend Golden Gate Fields on Sunday mornings but may now attend morning workouts any day. They must check in at the main horsemen's gate, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a COVID-19 health screening. Masks will be required to be worn at all times, and owners must respect social distancing.
Afternoon Races: Owners may now attend to watch their horses race in the afternoons. At this time, there will be a limit of two owners per horse. Unfortunately, non-licensed guests will not be permitted.
When attending the races, owners will be required to provide their CHRB owners license and undergo a COVID-19 health screening. Masks will be required to be worn at all times, and owners must respect social distancing guidelines. Owners must check in at the main horsemen's gate as all other gates remain closed. At this time, owners will not be allowed access to the paddock, winners circle, or barn area.
Seating will be in a dedicated area adjacent to the winners circle to watch racing live, and there will be additional TVs located there. At this time Golden Gate Fields cannot offer refreshments of any kind (however owners may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages if desired), and there are no on-track betting facilities available.
"We are all very aware of the need and necessity of being as helpful and understanding as possible of the owners," said David Duggan, Vice President & General Manager of Golden Gate Fields, "And indeed we are very grateful to the TOC for bearing with us as we try to move forward. We greatly appreciate the owners' support and understanding during these restrictive times."
For questions, please contact Mary Forney, TOC Executive Director, at (626) 826-3782 or by email at mforney@toconline.com.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
