Hannum: Outlook uncertain for flat racing season in Virginia

Last year, the recovery of the horse racing industry in Virginia was one of the good news stories of the summer.

This year, Virginia Equine Alliance executive director Jeb Hannum stays hopeful the flat racing meet at Colonial Downs can go on as programmed, but there are some challenges, he told Glenn Petty of Old Dominion Horseracing News.

Hannum pointed out that OTBs are closed right now due to the coronavirus outbreak, which means there is no money coming in to fuel purses for this summer’s meet. Obviously, the longer those closures go on, the longer the purse accounts will take a hit.

Hannum mentioned that some major equestrian events in the state like the Upperville Colt and Horse Show are considering summer or fall dates.

If restrictions on crowd sizes can be lifted in time, the summer and fall of 2020 could be busy and uplifting times for the equine industry, which has been feeling the pinch of the outbreak already.

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Additionally, Hannum gave an update on legislation that would allow for casinos in the state, which had been a source of concern for horsemen.

A bill, which passed the state House and Senate, allows for more historic horse racing machines and adds protection for horsemen and Colonial Downs.

“It looks like with all the cancellations this spring that it could be a very busy and exciting time for racing in the summer and the fall. Other events like the Upperville horse show I understand are also considering summer or fall dates. It is certainly an unprecedented and trying time. But horsemen are by nature very tough and used to some level of adversity. I am confident that we will come out of this and let’s hope that we can get racing very soon”. Hannum stated.

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