Businesses across the nation have been dealing with a new reality for several months. It has been no different for a horse racing industry that has managed to keep going in certain spots, albeit with an air of uncertainty.
As more tracks begin returning to action, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally beginning to emerge. Another positive sign came to light on Sunday as Gulfstream Park announced plans to increase overnight pools.
“We were very conservative with our purse structure beginning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gulfstream’s Vice President of Racing Mike Lakow. “Without our casino operating and with no on-track attendance and handle we had to make adjustments with the purse . The horsemen have been incredibly understanding and have worked with us throughout this process. We want to thank them for their and we’re pleased to provide this increase.”
Hallandale Beach, FL-based Gulfstream is one of the few venues that has continued to operate steadily over the past few months in the absence of fans. The bump in purses is an encouraging sign that points to brighter days ahead not only for Gulfstream, but the industry as a whole.
The Coming Week
The week begins with eight tracks up and running for Memorial Day. It gets a little slower after that before business picks up again heading into the weekend. Here’s a look at cards scheduled to run thus far.
Monday, May 25
Assiniboia Downs
6-Race Card at 7:35 PM ET
$16k Stakes – Race 3
Churchill Downs
10-Race Card at 1 PM ET
$83k Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 2, 8, and 9
Fonner Park
8-Race Card at 4 PM ET
$8k Claiming – Race 5
Golden Gate Fields
11-Race Card at 12:45 PM PT
$100k Stakes – Race 8
Gulfstream Park
12-Race Card at 12:45 PM ET
$46k Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 11
Remington Park
11-Race Card at 6 PM ET
Quarter Horse Stakes – Race 9 through 11
Ruidoso Downs
12-Race Card at 1 PM PT
$40k Quarter Horse Stakes – Race 11
Santa Anita Park
11-Race Card at 3:30 PM ET
Stakes – Race 5, 9, and 11
Tuesday, May 26
Assiniboia Downs
6-Race Card at 7:35 PM ET
$16k Stakes – Race 1
Fonner Park
9-Race Card at 4 PM ET
$8k+ Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 5 and 7
Wednesday, May 27
Assiniboia Downs
6-Race Card at 7:35 PM ET
$16k Stakes – Race 6
Fonner Park
9-Race Card at 4 PM ET
$8k+ Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 6 and 8
Tampa Bay Downs
9-Race Card at 1 PM ET
$20k Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 5 and 7
Thursday, May 28
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
9-Race Card at 7 PM ET
$28k Allowance – Race 8
Churchill Downs
10-Race Card at 1 PM ET
$80k+ Allowance – Race 8 and 9
Gulfstream Park
9-Race Card at 12:45 PM ET
$46k Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 8
Remington Park
11-Race Card at 6 PM ET
Quarter Horse Action
Friday, May 29
Churchill Downs
9-Race Card at 1 PM ET
$80k+ Allowance – Race 7 and 8
Golden Gate Fields
8-Race Card at 12:45 PM ET
$19k Claiming – Race 8
Gulfstream Park
10-Race Card at 12:45 PM ET
$65k Maiden Special Weight – Race 5
Remington Park
12-Race Card at 6 PM ET
Quarter Horse Action
Ruidoso Downs
13-Race Card at 12 PM PT
Quarter Horse Action
Santa Anita Park
8-Race Card at 12:30 PM PT
$51k Allowance Optional Claiming – Race 7
Carryover Pools To Watch
We begin the week with a number of carryover pools on the rise. Several of the tracks are up and running on Monday, so the amounts could spike due to busy holiday betting action. Here are the pools to keep on the radar and the next racing day for each.
Gulfstream Park Pick 6 – Monday, May 25 – $816,547
Santa Anita Park Pick 6 – Monday, May 25 – $362,967
Fonner Park Pick 5 – Monday, May 25 – $79,917
Golden Gate Fields Pick 6 – Monday, May 25 – $53,623
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races Pick 6 – Thursday, May 28 – $18,970
Best of luck this week and enjoy the races!
