Derby Lane returns to live racing, reverses course on spectators

ST. PETERSBURG — Derby Lane has made several changes as it moves toward the resumption of greyhound racing Friday.

Instead of fans being able to watch the dogs live, the track announced Wednesday that the facility will be closed to the public until further notice, and the poker room — initially said to be reopening Monday — will remain closed. Fans only will be able to watch and wager on the greyhound races online.

This past Saturday, Derby Lane said via Twitter that fans should “come enjoy the sunshine and the action of greyhound racing."

Now the track’s website states: “After further review, Derby Lane will remain closed to the public,. We will begin official live racing on Friday, May 8. Spectators will not be allowed on property; however, patrons may watch the official races on www.greyhoundchannel.com.

"Furthermore, the Derby Lane poker room will not be reopening. When the poker room does reopen you can expect us to adhere to all (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines, as well as implement health and safety precautions for employees and patrons alike.

“We look forward to bringing our employees back to work and inviting patrons back to historic Derby Lane. Until then, please stay healthy, Tampa Bay.”

Related: Runners find solace, purpose in virtual races

Derby Lane will be racing for the first time in 49 days. It closed March 20, a move initiated when Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order concerning the spread of the coronavirus.

Six weekly performances are scheduled — all during the afternoon — from Monday through Saturday. All matinee cards are expected to feature 15 races with a 12:30 p.m. post time. Derby Lane previously held seven weekly performances, including night races on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Derby Lane, which is celebrating its 95th year of racing, lost 49 live performances, and greyhounds have not competed since March 19.

The change by Derby Lane reflects the environment at Palm Beach Kennel club in West Palm Beach, which began racing again this past Friday after a nearly seven-week hiatus. That track is racing without spectators, and its poker room also is closed.

The Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs held its final race Sunday without live spectators, ending a 63-year run by the greyhounds in Southwest Florida. A new building for poker and simulcast wagering is being built in that area.

When racing resumes at Derby Lane, Lester Raines rests atop the 14-kennel win standings with 129 victories. ABC Racing is second at 119, followed by Capabal at 118 and Lashmet at 117. All-America first-team member and two-time reigning meet win leader LK’s Crush N It of Lashmet kennel and Shoot The Breeze of Floyd kennel are tied for the most wins at the meet with 11 apiece.

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