President’s Letter to members

May 22,2020

 

Horsemen & Friends:

 

We are living in unprecedented times.   The COVID-19 situation has changed our lives but not our love of racing. We are thankful to be able to start our racing season this weekend and hopeful that we can fully open soon.

 

Please observe the state guidance under which we are allowed to race at this point. This was from Governor Reynolds May 13 proclamation –

 

L. Race tracks: A speedway or race track, including a track conducting horse or dog races, may reopen or continue its operations provided that it does not permit any spectators to attend its events in person.

 

We realize it is a gray area regarding who are spectators and who are participants. We have been advised by our lobbyist that we can allow people to park their cars along the track to watch the races.

 

Please exercise good judgement regarding social distancing and interaction with others at the races.  Racetracks in other states have much greater restrictions. We are concerned that pictures and videos from the races will be posted on Facebook and other social media of people interacting in ways that are not following the Governor’s proclamation.   This could cause subsequent races to be cancelled, and no one wants that. Regardless of your personal views on the virus, it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to the current guidelines.

 

There are some changes in the schedule that we are aware of at this point in time.

• The overnight races at Eldon scheduled for June 17 & 18 are cancelled. The aged races are rescheduled for August 22 & 23 at What Cheer.

• The race program at Allison on June 27 has been moved in its entirety to What Cheer.

• The races at Bloomfield and Monticello are cancelled.

 

Additions or changes to other locations or dates may occur. We will update our schedule on IowaHarnessRacing.com and publish updates to our Facebook page as we become aware of changes.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.  Let me know if you have questions or comments.

 

Royal Roland
President, Iowa Harness Horseman’s Association

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