NYTB Cancels April 6 New York-Bred Divisional Champions Awards Banquet

[1]By Sarah Mace

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) has cancelled the organization’s New York-Bred Divisional Champions Awards Banquet due to concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The event, where we planned to crown the 2019 New York-Bred Horse of the Year, Divisional Champions and human honorees, was originally scheduled to take place on the evening of Monday, April 6, 2020 at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Our decision was prompted by recent guidance from federal and state authorities about limiting large gatherings, recommendations for “social distancing,” and concern for all members of our community.

Historically this a convivial, sold-out event. Guests gather from up and down the east coast and beyond. Prospective attendees and honorees have already expressed concerns about travel during the pandemic.

We realize that this cancellation is a disappointment, especially for the connections of our divisional championship nominees. This is also a disappointment for NYTB. This celebration of the racetrack achievements of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Program is a high point in our annual calendar. These are, however, extraordinary circumstances and the need to protect all members of our community is paramount.

NYTB will publicly announce the 2019 Horse of the Year, divisional winners and human honorees on April 6 as planned. The program and video presentation for the event are currently in production. After April 6 we will mail the commemorative program to all our members and release the video presentation on our website and social media channels. NYTB is contacting individual attendees about previous reservations.

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2020/03/19/nyb-div-champs-awards-banquet-cancelled/

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