Woodbine 'Confident' About Track Conditions As End of Season Nears

Edited Press Release

Officials at Woodbine Entertainment have expressed confidence in the all-weather track at Woodbine despite recent problems with the surface resulting in the deaths of multiple horses, claiming that the track is in 'optimal condition for safe training and racing' with only a handful of live dates left in the 2024 season.

In a release issued Thursday morning, the track said that, since the cancellation of the final two races on Nov. 9 and the scrapping of the Nov. 10 program in the interest of equine safety, 'Woodbine has worked diligently to address safety concerns and improve track conditions.'

Among the measures taken, according to the track, were:

• Immediately following the on-track breakdowns, Woodbine cancelled the last two races, including the Grade III Autumn Stakes, after consulting with the AGCO, Jockeys' Guild, and HBPA;
• Woodbine contacted Tapeta Footings, its track supplier and consultant, to conduct a thorough review of the track conditions. Tapeta Footings arrived in Toronto the following morning;
• The review found the track required maintenance to restore its evenness. consistency, bounce and cushion;
• Extensive maintenance was conducted on Nov. 10, including rototilling to a depth of five inches, followed by power harrowing and a gallop master treatment to ensure a consistent surface;
• Positive feedback was received from trainers and riders following galloping on the track on Monday and Tuesday, which were observed by Tapeta Footings, Woodbine and the AGCO;
• Morning training hours on the All-Weather track were extended to accommodate a harrow break procedure;
• Tapeta Footings, led by Joan Wakefield and Miguel Piedra, worked closely with the Woodbine track team throughout the week, implementing best practices to maintain optimal conditions;
• Juan Meza, former Track Superintendent at Golden Gate Fields, has been brought in by Tapeta Footings, as part of their strong partnership, to provide additional support and consultation on track maintenance;
• Woodbine has kept the AGCO, HBPA, and Jockeys' Guild informed of all developments and is planning a meeting with the AGCO to discuss further enhancements to track maintenance and horse welfare moving forward.

“We've worked diligently to ensure the track is in excellent condition for the final weeks of the meet,” said Bill Ford, Executive Vice-President of Racing at Woodbine Entertainment. “On behalf of Woodbine and our racing community, I thank Tapeta Footings, especially Joan and Miguel, for their expertise and leadership over the last couple of weeks. We continue to be strong supporters of the Tapeta surface, which is key to our commitment to horse welfare and safety.”

Woodbine was scheduled to resume racing on Thursday. The final day of the meeting is Sunday, Dec. 15.