Woodbine Kicks Off Delayed Meet

Thoroughbred racing returned to Woodbine June 6 as the reduced 109-day meet, originally scheduled to begin April 18, got underway spectator-free with strict protocols in place due to COVID-19.

Prior to the card, Woodbine jockeys came together to take a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Veteran British jockey Darryll Holland guided Alpine Stable's Majestic Fever to a rallying 14-1 upset for trainer Vito Armata in the opener, a five-furlong claiming race on the main track.

Majestic Fever, a 7-year-old Majestic Warrior gelding who is just a three-time winner in 30 starts, returned $30.80 for a $2 win ticket.

"This means a lot to me because it's my first win in Canada," said 47-year-old Holland, a newcomer to the Toronto oval's jockey colony who has ridden multiple group 1 winners. "I've only had a hat full of rides here for the International race meeting several years ago, so it was nice to win on my first run. I've been well received by all the trainers. They've been very kind to me and helped me. I've been galloping all week because I was in self-isolation for 14 days before that, so it's not been easy. I've had to get fit very quickly and take off a bit of weight, but I'm sure there's better to come from me."

Opening weekend at Woodbine continues Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.