LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. Horse racing returns to southern Alberta this weekend, but the grandstand will be empty due to COVID-19 protocols. Last year the Rocky Mountain Turf Club was forced to cancel its spring race meet altogether due to the pandemic. “Even with restrictions, having (fan-free) racing is better than no racing,” said horse trainer Lyle Magnuson, who has nine horses entered for the first race card on Saturday, May 15. Magnuson said the horse racing industry has already been impacted by the cancellation of race events in 2020. “If you let it go too long people move to other provinces, quit altogether, sell their horses and give it up,” added Magnuson.