Advertisement

Derby Lane closes indefinitely because of coronavirus

Also, Tampa Bay Downs, racing without fans, cancels its annual Florida Cup, a showcase of state-bred horses.
 
Live racing at Derby Lane is on hold, effective Friday, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Live racing at Derby Lane is on hold, effective Friday, because of the coronavirus pandemic. [ Times (2018) ]
Published March 20, 2020|Updated March 21, 2020

Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. Sign up for our DayStarter newsletter to receive updates weekday mornings. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe.

• • •

ST. PETERSBURG — Derby Lane announced that it was closing Friday indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The $75,000 Distance Classic, the greyhound track’s richest stakes races, had been scheduled to start Saturday.

Derby Lane’s entire facility will be closed with no live racing, simulcast wagering or poker. It is unknown when the site will reopen.

“Derby Lane will be closing its doors at 6 p.m. today (Friday) until further notice," the facility wrote on its Twitter account. "During the pandemic, our employees’ livelihood and customers’ safety have been our upmost concern. We hope everyone stays healthy, and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon.''

Also, Tampa Bay Downs, which continues horse racing without fans at the Oldsmar track, canceled the Florida Cup, a series of six $110,000 stakes races for registered Florida-bred horses. The event, the track’s annual showcase for the state’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industries, had been scheduled for March 29.

Peter Berube, the track’s vice president and general manager, said a portion of the $660,000 in Florida Cup purse money will be allocated to the track’s overnight purse account, enabling the Downs to continue its 2019-20 meeting beyond next week, as circumstances allow.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage

EVENT CANCELLATIONS: Get the latest updates on events planned in the Tampa Bay area in the coming weeks.

STORES REACT TO VIRUS: Some businesses adjust hours or announce temporary closings.

BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.

STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY: Foods that should always be in your kitchen, for emergencies and everyday life.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: See updates and tips posts, and ask questions of our journalists.

FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Reddit.

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips.

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.