Coronavirus impact shifting rapidly in equine industry

With Kentucky being the horse capital of the world, the coronavirus is undoubtedly having an impact on the equine industry and annual events throughout Lexington that happen this time of the year.

Keeneland officials have announced “the cancellation of the upcoming Spring Meet, which was scheduled for April 2-24, due to safety concerns surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19.” Originally, Keeneland announced on their website, the “Spring Meet will open on April 2, 2020 without spectators. We will work with government officials and relevant health authorities to consider re-opening to spectators on April 15. With this same caution, Keeneland has canceled the 2020 April Two-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.”

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Churchill Downs is discussing what to do about the Kentucky Derby scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2020. Their hope is to postpone the event rather than cancel it. According to a news release on its website, Churchill Downs reported, “We thank you for your patience and are committed to providing regular communication and transparency as we move forward. This is not a decision we take lightly and we expect to have an update about the Kentucky Derby and additional information on our upcoming Spring Meet in the coming week.”

According to Kentucky Horse Park‘s website, “In an abundance of caution and in setting the example for social distancing in managing COVID-19, the decision has been made to postpone the following events: Kentucky Crafted, Road to the Horse, Cinch Ranch Sorting Event, and Cowboy up for a Cure. This decision was made in conjunction with event organizers, Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Horse Park, as part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing effort to ensure the health and wellness of the public as Kentucky fights aggressively to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Read more: https://www.aceweekly.com/2020/03/coronavirus-impact-shifting-rapidly-in-equine-industry/