ALTOONA, IA – The Prairie Meadows Board of Directors voted unanimously today to not open the backstretch to horses or seek possible racing dates at this time despite Governor Reynolds announcing yesterday that the racetrack could open and run without fans any time after May 15.

According to several sources, Prairie Meadows CEO Gary Palmer stated that it would be irresponsible to open the backside or start racing as long as the number of COVID cases in Polk County keeps rising.

Following the statement a motion was made to not open the barns or start live racing (with or without fans) which passed unanimously.

This leaves hundreds of horses scrambling for alternative destinations as the time for horsemen to vacate Oaklawn Park is approaching and Arlington Park not assigned racing dates.  Canterbury Park has opened the backside to horses and is hoping to begin running their mixed Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse 52-day meet June 10 on a Monday – Thursday schedule.  It is anticipated that this move will provide a surge in stall applications which have already been strong for the coming season.

Tomorrow the Iowa horsemen will meet with Prairie Meadows management to discuss the situation.