Colonial Downs shifts to spectator-free racing for 2020 season

By Community Member | July 21, 2020 4:43 pm

Colonial Downs Group, a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, has announced that it will not allow spectators on the grounds for horse-racing for the 2020 race season.

The decision to conduct the meeting without spectators was a response to a request made by the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) and Virginia Horseman Benevolent and Protective Agency (VHBPA).

“We accept the position of our industry partners that adjusting to spectator-free racing is ultimately best for protecting the health and safety of our racing participants,” said John Marshall, Executive Vice President of Operations for Colonial Downs. “Our team is prepared to deliver a quality racing product while ensuring a safely run meet, which is our chief objective.”

The change to spectator-free racing is out of an abundance of caution and enables Colonial Downs to focus extra care towards key operating areas, such as jockeys’ quarters, paddock supervision, the racing office, and the stabling areas.

Races will be shown Monday-Wednesday beginning July 27, 5:30 p.m. on the TVG Network.