Belmont break longer this year ?
 

Unless I’m completely missing something it doesn’t look like Belmont is starting up again until the 18th. I don’t ever remember the transition being this long. BTW when Belmont does open is there any official talk of letting fans in at limited capacity?

Correct. Last year was 3 day gap. This year is 10 days. Don't know the reasons why.

Usually the break is The Spa closing day is Labor Day, then Belmont opens on that Friday. So, yes, the break is 12 days as opposed to 4.
According to nyra.com, fans are once again excluded from the grounds. Only change is owners may attend live racing ONLY on the day they have a horse entered . Group ownership is limited to 10 on race day. Owners are barred from the barn area.

Much like DMR -SA, its likely due to horse population issues.

i heard that the casino's just opened up in New York and the casino funds the purses.

So a little research and I netted this on NYRA website:

”The Belmont Park fall meet has traditionally opened on the Friday following Labor Day. Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, NYRA adjusted the fall schedule by adding a one-week break following the conclusion of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.”

Very vague and no specific reason(s). Saratoga opened their meet on time with no delay. I just find it strange. I think the Kentucky downs meet has something to do with it.

Does anyone know if there have been any changes to the attendance rules for owners or if they are even considering limited fans at some point?

It would seem some loosening would be appropriate given almost everything else is slowly opening up in Queens and Long island. The backyard and 1st floor with doors open, masks, and spacing would essentially be riskless in a place that large with a small crowd.

I still haven't heard anything about fans being allowed in. Honestly no reason why they can't. The place is so big that they few fans that will even show up can be extremely spread out.

Notoday
 

Went last year for Columbus Day Social Distancing was in effect

Well, they could have, of course, stayed downstate and probably would have been able to race through. :)

So people touting NYRA's handle figures for Saratoga should make an adjustment for the lost week.

If they had stayed down it they might as well have just stuck to four days a week to avoid taxing the horse population too much.


That is 7 Wednesdays they wouldn't have race, so by my count 3 meetings they gained by moving.


Thats a chunk of handle and prizemoney for the trainers, jockeys and owners they wouldn't have gotten if they'd stayed.

Give it up barrister… the jury has already reached a decision and you were wrong — NYRA did the right thing. There’s more going on here besides money… I guess being a lawyer that’s hard for you to understand.

I think a week break is a good idea, gives everyone a chance to refresh and recharge. Don't see what the big deal is.

I went to Monmouth and everything went fine. Crowd was about 3,000
Doubt Belmont would draw many more.

Allan