National Steeplechase Association racing, its spring season decimated by the novel coronavirus pandemic, would return in late May and run through June under a tentative schedule that was announced on Monday.
NSA Director of Racing Bill Gallo developed the tentative schedule after consulting with all race meets over the last several weeks. In a letter to horsemen, he noted that all conditions and purses are subject to change.
“Our race meets are leaders within their communities, and they have responded proactively and responsibly to this global crisis,” said the NSA’s president, Dr. Al Griffin Jr. “The health and safety of everyone—our communities, our patrons, our horsemen—always come first.
“Some meets have had to make the difficult decision to cancel, and they will return in the spring of 2021. Others have tentatively rescheduled their meets outside the anticipated time frame for the most stringent restraints on public interaction,” said Dr. Griffin, who is co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup.
“As always, the NSA and our race meets would follow the requirements and recommendations of state and federal governments to assure public health and safety.”