Update to Barn A Isolation
Here is a further update concerning the strides taking place to ensure a safe racing
environment for our horsemen and horses at Hawthorne and those shipping into Hawthorne.
As stated before, the isolation is only for Barn A as we await test results to return on the
two affected horses. This does not affect any other barns on the Hawthorne backstretch
and does not affect the Receiving barn either. For those unfamiliar with the Hawthorne backstretch,
Barn A is the Western-most barn on the Hawthorne backstretch. Barn A has been isolated and has
only one barn next to it, but not in contact with it. For those shipping into Hawthorne, the Receiving
barn is on the opposite end of the backstretch, across the main backstretch road.
In addition to disinfecting the Starting Gate, Paddock and Receiving barn daily, this will
also be done between every race to the paddock and starting gate. Also, Hawthorne will be providing
hand sanitizer for all valets, starting gate crew, jockeys, pre-race veterinarians and detention barn staff.
These are all further precautions and while they may seem extreme, it is better to be overly cautious.
Additionally, we ask that if your horse is brought to the detention barn for testing, trainers
provide buckets, sponges and scrapers for your horse.
As more information becomes available, we will provide it. State veterinarian Dawn Folker
has been on top of this from the start and we are following her guidance. Tim Becker and his staff
have already disinfected the areas listed above and are in constant contact with Dr. Folker.
While rumors tend to start and swirl, we ask that horsemen get the facts first before giving out
false information. If you have any questions, please contact your practicing veterinarian and if they
do not have the answer, please have them contact Dr. Folker.
Jim Miller – Assistant General Manager, Hawthorne Race Course
Mike Campbell - ITHA President
