NEW KENT Co., Va. - The 2020 horse racing season has come to an end after positive COVID-19 test results at the track in New Kent County, the Colonial Downs Group confirmed to News 3 Friday night.
Due to the results, the Colonial Downs Group says it has canceled the remainder of its meet for the year.
The group says it consulted with the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent Protection Association (VHBPA) and the Virginia Racing Commission in making its decision.
Officials have already started to make plans for next year's meet.
Colonial Downs Group provided us with the following statement on the cancellation:
Colonial Downs Group places the health and safety of our team, partners and visitors as our top priority. We established thorough protocols prior to the 2020 racing season to address any issues that may arise from the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of recent test results at the track in New Kent County, and in an abundance of caution, Colonial Downs is cancelling the remainder of its 2020 meet. In making our decision, we collaborated with the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent Protection Association (VHBPA) and Virginia Racing Commission. We have communicated the outcome with all participating parties. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support. This was a difficult decision, but the best one for Virginia’s racing community. We are already starting to make plans for the 2021 meet at Colonial Downs and are optimistic for a safe return in a better health environment for our nation, state and community.
Colonial Downs Group
