Woodbine has been given approval to race without spectators as part of Stage 1 of the Ontario government's framework to gradually reopen the Province. Stage 1 is scheduled to start May 19.
“This is great news for the sport of horse racing and the tens of thousands of people it employs throughout the Province,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “With this news, our plans to resume Standardbred racing at Mohawk Park on June 5 and Thoroughbred racing on June 6 at Woodbine remain on track. We appreciate the government's recognition that we can operate spectator-free horse racing safely by following strict physical distancing protocols.
“I would also like to thank the entire horse racing community for their patience, understanding and commitment in following health guidelines during this time. In doing so, it has put the entire industry in the position to resume live horse racing in the coming weeks.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, harness racing at Mohawk Park was suspended March 19, while the opening of Woodbine's Thoroughbred season, originally scheduled for April18, was postponed.
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