New York racetrack turned into hospital

New York’s Aqueduct racecourse has been commissioned as a coronavirus recovery centre.

Aqueduct racetrack has been turned into a temporary hospital site help some of the many affected by coronavirus in the New York City area.

“Aqueduct Racetrack will serve as a safe haven for those recovering from this virus,” New York Racing Association chief executive Dave O’Rourke said.

“We recognise that we all must work together as a community to meet this challenge and emerge stronger for it.”

Aqueduct’s winter racing had been scheduled to end on Sunday and its next fixtures were to run from April 2-19.

The NYRA’s next meeting is the 51-day schedule at Belmont Park from April 24.

“NYRA is continuing to strategise the safest options for a return to racing at Belmont Park, while prioritising the health and welfare of our staff and the racing community,” O’Rourke said.

“A revised live racing schedule is an ongoing consideration, but secondary to our primary commitment to the health and well-being of the community.”

Some tracks in the United States are continuing to race with public lock-outs while others like Santa Anita have been forced to shut down under local government health rules.

The Kentucky Derby, usually held in May, has been postponed until September.