Woodbine to Open June 18 in Ontario's Step One Phase
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Photo: Michael Burns
Racing at Woodbine
Following the Government of Ontario's May 20 announcement of a three-step 'Roadmap to Reopen' the economy plan, Woodbine said it plans to open for its COVID-19 delayed Thoroughbred meet June 18. This timing is in line with the plan's Step One phase, in which horse racing is classified.
After racing June 18-19 on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule, the track intends to race four days a week thereafter, adding Thursdays. The meet had been scheduled to open in mid-April before a stay-at-home order was issued in the region amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Woodbine also confirmed that it is prepared to accelerate the resumption of live racing sooner if the government enters Step One earlier than expected.
"On behalf of the horse racing industry and the thousands of families who depend on it, I would like to thank the Premier's Office and local health authorities for providing some much-needed clarity," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "While the timing is not ideal, we can now prepare for the resumption of live racing with a degree of certainty. I would also like to acknowledge Ontario horse people for their patience and resiliency during the past several months."
Training has been allowed at Woodbine in the midst of Ontario's latest COVID-19 restrictions.
Updated stakes schedules and condition books will soon be released, Woodbine said.