The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has declared that horse racing in the nation will remain closed to the public due to ongoing attempts to curtail the further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Horse racing in Japan will continue to be conducted without spectators, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) has revealed, due to ongoing efforts to curb the further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The JRA had stated last month that the Niigata Racecourse would reopen to viewers from August 15 to September 6, but the JRA has suspended the reopening plan due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Japan in recent weeks. Racing will continue to be held without spectators.
Racing was closed to the public on February 29, and races at the Kokura and Sapporo racecourses will continue to be held without spectators. The JRA has not announced any plans to welcome patrons back to the racetracks.
“We regret any concerns this may cause for JRA racing patrons,” the JRS said. “We must apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who have already booked or purchased reserved seats, as this suspension comes after the reopening had already been declared.”
In the previous month, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) declared that it would remain open for off-track wagering, with all locations operating under shortened hours and stringent safety protocols.
Patrons can redeem winning tickets and place wagers at the locations, but presently, there is no television racing or odds information accessible within the facilities. Operational hours are also limited to between 9 am and 2 pm.
Despite the temporary closure of retail betting outlets, JRA’s revenue for the initial six months of 2020 still increased by 1.5% annually, reaching 1.48 trillion yen (£10.7 billion/€11.86 billion/$13.94 billion), as bettors were still able to place wagers electronically.
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