Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: March 31, 2020
Given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting shutdown of live racing in the Mid-Atlantic region, the status of the 2020 MATCH Series remains unclear.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, which was to launch the series April 18 along with Laurel Park, has already said the three MATCH Series stakes scheduled for that day, as well as the Charles Town Classic, will be postponed and hopefully run at a later date. Charles Town and Laurel—scheduled for two turf stakes in the series April 18—briefly offered live racing while closed to the public and with essential personnel only permitted on the ground-were ordered to close in mid-March.
There is no clarity as to when live racing can resume.
In addition, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has said the Preakness Stakes would not be held the third Saturday in May. Five MATCH Series stakes are scheduled for Preakness weekend but the Maryland Jockey Club stakes schedule is under review given the movement of stakes at other racetracks in the region.
The MATCH Series partners will be meeting soon to discuss the ongoing situation and a strategy should racing resume in the near future. After May, there are five series legs scheduled, one each in June, July, August, September and October.
We appreciate your patience and will keep you posted on any developments.