Horse racing ground to a halt in Buenos Aires in March following a mandatory quarantine imposed by President Alberto Fernández. Though the Argentine capital’s casinos and bingo halls have not yet reopened, the Hipódromo de San Isidro racetrack expects to hold seven of the 14 races usually scheduled for the month.
“I just visited the track, I met the authorities and the horses are ready to run tomorrow,” said San Isidro Mayor Gustavo Posse. “We know that there’s good will for the activity to return, it’s just that a meeting with the provincial regulator Institute of Lottery and Casinos of Buenos Aires (IPLyC) and representatives of the sector was delayed. We wanted to present the security protocols and obtain the authorization.”
Trainers have been able to work with their horse throughout lockdown, but under strict security measures, including face mask for jockeys, trainers, hands and others.
“It’s not a contact sport, no one else is on the track besides the horse, the caretaker and the jockey,” the mayor added. “It’s all designed so that there’s no contact. In order to access the tracks, people need to wash car wheels, check temperature levels, among other things. We are not behind in salary payments, but we know that the Jockey Club is experiencing financial difficulties.”
