Ontario Stay-at-Home Order Postpones Woodbine Meet

As a result of the Provincial State of Emergency declared April 7 by the government of Ontario amid COVID-19, which includes a province-wide 28-day stay-at-home order, the 2021 race meet at Woodbine has been formally postponed, the track announced. 

Woodbine also confirmed that it is continuing its efforts with government officials and local health authorities to be permitted to race during a lockdown situation, which would allow the meet to commence after the stay-at-home order is lifted May 6. The season was scheduled to begin April 17.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, we have supported the government of Ontario every step of the way and will continue to do so," Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, said in a release. "However, if we do not receive permission to safely operate live racing during a lockdown situation after the stay-at-home is lifted, our industry and business could be greatly impacted as trainers will not bring their horses to Woodbine Racetrack and more horses will be shipped out to the United States where there are plenty of racing opportunities. This situation has the potential to have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the Thoroughbred industry in Ontario."

During the current health order, active training at Woodbine may continue, including workouts, but starting gate and receiving barn training operations will be temporarily suspended for 10 days.