One of the sectors affected by the COVID-19 outbreak is the sports betting industry. The pandemic caused numerous horse racing events lined up this year to be postponed to a later date.

However some horse tracks whilst closed to spectators are continuing to hold races with track owners benefiting from the hugely profitable gambling revenue.
Whilst undoubtedly enjoying an unexpected monolopy on the American sports betting market, there are growing concerns within the industry that despite reassurances from the owners of many of America’s horse tracks there are considerable risks to jockeys and track employees.

As major track meetings have been cancelled or postponed, lesser known tracks around the US have daily races drawing billions annually in best place via both via online gaming apps and off-site gambling sites.

So to the Triple Crown, for many the definition of American horse racing, three races held at historic tracks — Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes – traditionally held each May and June.

The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020 and the 146th Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1, 2020 to September 4, 2020.

Officials say they are working to find a new date for the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
The Maryland Jockey Club and Stronach Group announced that whenever the Preakness is run in 2020, it will go on without the infield activities that had been one of the race’s biggest traditions. The Preakness was scheduled for May 16 in Baltimore.

No decision has yet been made on the Belmont Stakes, which is scheduled for June 6 at Belmont Park in New York.

However it seems unlikely the grand finale of the US race season, The Breeders’ Cup, will be postponed and should go ahead as planned on Saturday 7 November, this year being hosted at Keeneland.

References:
www.washingtonpost.com
www.kentuckyderby.com
www.belmontstakes.com
www.espn.com
www.breederscup.com