Horse racing back in Lethbridge this weekend with no fans in the stands

Anyone hoping to make a bet can still do so, by signing up through Xpressbet, an online betting service.

Rocky Mountain’s CEO Max Gibb said, “we expect to have the best pari-mutuel bet play that we’ve ever had.”

“Last year, we started Xpressbet. These races are shown in almost every state that’s legal to have gaming in America and [province] in Canada.”

Gibb explained races will take place in Lethbridge until July 1, before going to Grande Prairie and returning to YQL over Labour Day weekend, with events to take place through September and October.

He’s hopeful that for the fall season, fans will be able to fill the stands once again.

(Lethbridge News Now)

Gibb added that racing will continue to have a presence in Lethbridge, with Rocky Mountain Turf Club renewing a contract for nine more years of events in the city.

“We can’t wait until the public can come back and watch the races. Another highlight is we expect to run at least two major Warrior Relay [Races] in the late summer and in the fall. Two weekends of Warrior Relay Racing, along with a Pow-Wow.”

He said staff at the venue are optimistic about the season and are promoting adherence to all public health measures in place due to the pandemic.

“We support everyone wearing masks, social distancing, but [heck] we’re going to have a great year.”

CROWD VS. NO CROWD

Gibb said last year, popular events like the Kentucky Derby ran smoothly with no fans in attendance. He noted the opportunity to host events, even without enthusiasts in attendance, is better than nothing.

“You could never substitute the energy of a crowd, but it’s going to be exciting and it’s going to be good.”

On the importance of horse racing to the region, he added, “Lethbridge, southern Alberta, is a $370-million per year economic development driver, so we’re pleased that we’re holding it and hosting it again this year.”

As far as COVID-19 protocols are concerned, Gibb explained that the only “closeness” during the events will be between the trainer and the rider, with the trainer putting the rider up on the horse.

“They’ll be wearing masks and then loading in the chute, both the loaders and the riders will be wearing masks. The gallop boys, who takes them there, will be wearing masks. Everyone will be masked; we’re following all protocol and social distancing as reasonably as possible as it can be.”

NEW ANNOUNCER

An exciting addition to the Rocky Mountain Turf Club for the season is announcer Brent Seely, who has over 40 years in the broadcast industry.

The Lethbridge-born and raised Seely said that he, “did horse racing for a number of years, about 15 years across Alberta, down through Montana and even did some dates over in British Columbia.”

“So, it’s good to be ‘recycled’ and as Max Gibb said, it’s kind of like riding a bike and I hope it’s true because it’s been a while since I’ve done it but looking forward to it.”

He said working without fans in the stands will be an adjustment, but he’s up for the challenge.

“We’ve got a great stable of horses, some great people [and] it’s going to be some great racing.”

Seely said Rocky Mountain Turf Club is helping in “keep the industry alive” and like Gibb, is hopeful fans can return to the stands sooner than later.

by Justin Goulet

Horse racing back in Lethbridge this weekend with no fans in the stands

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