This will be the 51st season of racing at Marquis Downs, but we will have to wait to see, when and if, that happens as we battle through the pandemic of COVID-19.
So far, things are just being postponed, like the annual weekend of chuckwagon racing which is being pushed back to late summer or early fall.
The horse racing season is set to kick off at the end of May, but that too could be delayed.
“We have wonderful management over at the horse race track and they are working and they are working with our internal directors here at Prairieland Park,” says Kristy Rempel, the manager of marketing for the Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation.
“We definitely want to run this season, but we also want to make sure that we follow the rules in regards to physical distancing, and all of the mandatory requirements put down by the province.”
Athletes in any sport need time to prepare and time to get up to speed. The thoroughbreds at Marquis Downs and the jockeys are the same, but right now the barns on the property are not open, and that type of preparation is being put on hold for now.
“We are watching the limit on gatherings because we need to have fans in the stands. And the limit in gatherings also applies to the barns, and the time that it is going to take to get the trainers here and get the horses ready to go,”
The jockeys themselves is another issue as many who race at Marquis Downs are from countries like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. So until the travel bans are lifted they are not in the country.
“Tracks across the country though are closing, suspending, not going forward with running. Some of them are running but without fans in the stands,” Rempel said.
“We need to have all three of those together. Horses, fans, and jockeys, so we are closely monitoring what we are allowed to do in the near future.”
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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