COVID-19 Statement released from Horse Racing Alberta regarding the temporary suspension of live horse racing in Alberta
March 17, 2020 Statement from Kent Verlik, MBA - Chief Executive Officer, Horse Racing Alberta
With the recent COVID-19 announcement by the Alberta Government, Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) in co-operation with our Stakeholders have been left with no choice but to temporarily suspend racing in the best interest of public safety.
The training and care of our horses at the Alberta racetracks will continue for the near future.
Please continue to monitor the HRA website for further information.
Working together as a collective group while taking these precautions will help protect the sustainability of our industry.
As of 4 pm today, Alberta Government has declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act . See the link below:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowed spaces. Among other measures, casinos and racing entertainment centres have been ordered close.
As a result, live horse racing has been suspended until further notice. Century Casinos have agreed to allow the Horsemen to continue to stable and train their racehorses at Century Downs and Century for the near future.
Our COVID-19 Response Working Group will be meeting again tomorrow to review the current situation and determine next steps. Supporting the Alberta Government in protecting the health and safety of all Albertans remains our top priority.
We will continue to provide additional information to everyone as it becomes available.
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