The OHHA would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we continue to work through this extraordinary crisis.  We wanted to personally share an update on our efforts to help keep your operations up and running, participants and personnel safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The OHHA is closely monitoring the latest reports from Governor DeWine, the State of Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).  We are also taking precautionary measures for the health and safety of our horsemen and Team Members.  Our goal is to do everything we can to help you keep your racing operations up and running and everyone safe during this unprecedented and evolving situation.  We are asking everyone to continue to diligently follow the advice provided by the State Department of Health.  First and foremost, if you are ill, please do not go to work.  If you are ill or at-risk, self-quarantine.  And in all cases, immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms outlined in the COVID-19 links. < https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/>

Effective from 3.9.20, all  Ohio Standardbred Racetracks have permitted entry on out-of-state horses only from those geographical locations that have not shown an elevated COVID-19 risk, see attached OSRC notice.  Ohio racetracks have and will continue to deny entry in their discretion to any horse or participant that shows a past-performance line from any geographic region where COVID-19 has had a direct link to racing participants.  That may include horses and participants from, Yonkers Raceway, Freehold, the Meadowlands, Monticello, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Dover, Saratoga, Woodbine Mohawk, and other racetracks.  The OHHA has asked all OHHA personnel not to travel outside of their minimum working functions, have cancelled all in-office meetings, and have canc elled all outreach, marketing, and promotions directly tied to spectators and attendance. In addition to those factors already in place, we have extended the offer to race with simulcast-only wagering in place, if necessary to support closure of racing locations to live spectators, with a reduction of racing personnel to de minimis levels of only those required, necessary, and essential to race.

After Governor DeWine's Press Conference this afternoon, all gaming entities and interested parties are requesting clarification from the Governor and Regulatory Bodies on the Order that Dr. Acton issued from the Department of Health on mass gatherings regarding spectator sports. Until that clarification, scheduled racing and operations with the above precautionary measures in place, will continue until further notice.  If any changes occur, we will immediately text updates to social media outlets and OHHA Emergency Text Blast at 614-924-8072.  To subscribe to the Text Blast, send a text with OHHA to that number.

>Click Here for OSRC Issued Notice

This afternoon Governor DeWine’s Press Conference referenced Ohio’s Casinos as not exempt under the Order that Dr. Acton issued 3.12.20 from the Department of Health on mass gatherings of over 100.  In response, at 7:11 p.m. tonight, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) clarified via Order that, “Each casino is to be in compliance with the directive by midnight. In addition, properties must submit to the Commission their plans to maintain compliance.”   In response Ohio’s four casinos will close as-of midnight tonight to reevaluate compliance with the Order.

In response, the Racing Industry and the Ohio State Racing Commission have sought clarification from the Governor and Dr. Acton on the Order for compliance on mass gatherings regarding spectator sports as applied to live racing.  The clarification is a request to authorize the continuation of racing with simulcast-only wagering in place, racing personnel to de minimis levels of only those required, the closure of racing locations to live spectators, and a reduction of horsemen in their paddock workplace to only those that are necessary and essential to race.

Our goal is to continue to do everything we can to help you keep your racing operations up and running and everyone safe during this unique and changing situation.  We will immediately text any updates to all racing social media outlets and OHHA Emergency Text Blast at 888-808-1507.  To subscribe to the Text Blast, send a text with OHHA to that number.  Once again, The OHHA would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we continue to work through this extraordinary crisis.

Please be advised that by Order (attached) all Ohio Racing has been cancelled for the week (March 20-27) pending further instructions from the Governor and the Ohio State Racing Commission.  Until further notice, Permit Holders are directed to leave statewide backsides open. Additionally, Permit Holders are directed to maintain and make the track available for training. Horsemen should take all measures possible to continue social distancing practices.

Thank  you for your patience as we have continued to navigate these unprecedented and challenging times.  Please know that we appreciate everyone’s effort to continue onward with a grit and resilience that only horsemen can show.

Although we are furloughed at this time I am always encouraged by the can-do spirit of horsemen and know we will come out the other side of this a stronger and more unified industry.

In the meanwhile, those of us at the Association continue to work for you as before.  We have modernized our offices over the last five years and as of right now can provide full service, whether inside or outside the office working remotely.  However, please give us a little extra time to respond, because we are swamped as everyone else is right now.

As always, we will provide updates via our social media outlets and Emergency Text Blast Service: 888-808-1507.

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a "Stay at Home" Order effective from midnight March 23rd to midnight April 6, 2020 unless modified by a later Order. After review of the Order, all non-essential, non-critical infrastructure individuals are required to Stay at Home.   The Order provides exemptions for critical infrastructure workforce, which includes agriculture, animal care, and permits outdoor activity and travel related to taking care of agricultural animals and pets for "animal agricultural workers".  It provides for those that manufacture and sell animal feed, bedding and products, veterinarians, and other agricultural support businesses to remain open.  Maintaining your racing businesses and the services that support your business, are critical infrastructure, and exempt under the Order.  Please continue to exercise COVID-19 health protocol, quarantine if ill, use proper hygiene, and exercise social distancing.

As always, we will provide updates via our social media outlets and Emergency Text Blast Service: 888-808-1507.

By Ohio State Racing Commission Order issued tonight, all Ohio Racing has been cancelled until April 6, 2020 pending further instructions from the Governor and the Ohio State Racing Commission. Until further notice, Permit Holders were also directed to continue to leave statewide backsides open. Additionally, Permit Holders were directed to continue to maintain and make the track available for training. Horsemen are directed to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures possible in accordance with the COVID-19 Health Orders in place.