There's good news for fans of horse racing and auto racing as New York will open the events to spectators beginning April 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said. 

The move will first pave the way for the meet at Belmont Racetrack to begin later this month. Upstate, this will allow racing to take place at Saratoga as well as at Watkins Glen. 

Spectators will be limited to 20% of capacity at the outdoor venues in line with other sporting events in New York, Cuomo said. 

Horse and auto racing events barred fans from attending in person last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meanwhile, the 11 p.m. bar and restaurant curfew will be extended to midnight starting next Monday.