Alexandra Park is set to become a ghost town on race nights.
Sorry team, drinks are off at the Park while coronavirus clampdown is in place
By Barry Lichter • 18 March 2020
Extreme measures adopted to restrict the spread of coronavirus mean Lincoln Farms won’t be able to extend the usual hospitality to our owners on race nights for the foreseeable future.
In case you weren’t aware, the governing bodies of all three racing codes, harness, thoroughbreds and greyhounds, yesterday announced that race meetings will be conducted as “closed doors” events starting today.
This followed the government’s decree banning gatherings of more than 500 people in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen 20 confirmed cases in New Zealand and the deaths of more than 7900 people worldwide.
The only people permitted to attend race meetings will be those jockeys and drivers competing, trainers with runners engaged, stable staff advised to the club and essential raceday personnel.
The restriction will be in place at least until April 13, and probably longer, but at this stage there are no plans to cancel meetings.
The unprecedented move is designed to protect the livelihoods of the 15,000 or more people who earn their living directly from the industry, and to ensure owners don’t suffer from the loss of stake money.
We’ll still be able to watch televised coverage of our runners - it just means Lincoln Farms’ office in the Alexandra Park birdcage will be out of action.
Good luck everyone, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you again as soon as things return to normal.
John and Lynne Street.
More news in Harness
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
