dilanesp
03-19-2020, 02:57 PM
This is what I mean when I say that it won't actually be possible to run big races "without fans".
The UAE, of course, is a dictatorship, and doesn't really have to answer to its people. But this shows the temptations that will exist when big races are staged:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/17/sport/dubai-world-cup-2020-spt-intl/index.html
Yes, they are running the DWC "without fans". But:
According to organizers, only horse connections, racing officials, media members and sponsors will be allowed into the Meydan Racecourse on March 28.
Do you see the differences here between this and the very responsible way NYRA (and some other US track operators) is conducting itself right now?
"Horse connections" means owners. Lots of them, because these top horses have lots of owners and they presumably would like to go see the horses run in Dubai. And it's not just the DWC- it's a whole card of races. And the owners are then going to fly back to their home countries....
"Media members". That's a LOT of people. Television and print media.
"Sponsors". That's probably the most irresponsible of all. Why do sponsors need to attend this thing? Can't they sublimate their desires for the health of the public?
No, you can't run big races "without fans" and comply with social distancing mandates. Because you have to tell some very powerful people "no".
The UAE, of course, is a dictatorship, and doesn't really have to answer to its people. But this shows the temptations that will exist when big races are staged:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/17/sport/dubai-world-cup-2020-spt-intl/index.html
Yes, they are running the DWC "without fans". But:
According to organizers, only horse connections, racing officials, media members and sponsors will be allowed into the Meydan Racecourse on March 28.
Do you see the differences here between this and the very responsible way NYRA (and some other US track operators) is conducting itself right now?
"Horse connections" means owners. Lots of them, because these top horses have lots of owners and they presumably would like to go see the horses run in Dubai. And it's not just the DWC- it's a whole card of races. And the owners are then going to fly back to their home countries....
"Media members". That's a LOT of people. Television and print media.
"Sponsors". That's probably the most irresponsible of all. Why do sponsors need to attend this thing? Can't they sublimate their desires for the health of the public?
No, you can't run big races "without fans" and comply with social distancing mandates. Because you have to tell some very powerful people "no".