June 13 is another possible start-up date for racing to begin after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the season.
Woodbine 2020
Forward movement to occur this week with the return of gate schooling; jockeys will be allowed to work horses beginning May 13 with strict protocols.
Horses, horsepeople and racing fans are chomping at the bit to get back to racing; masks will be mandatory on backstretch, among new protocols.
Angelo Freda and son James are only two years into their racing business and have Canadian-breds in training with Catherine Day Phillips.
Horses are in light training at Woodbine and Jim Lawson hopes for a June-July start to the 2020 racing season, without spectators.
In the event of a COVID-19 positive or outbreak on backstretch, horsepeople must be ready with back-up plans for staff or to move horses.
Canadian tracks have horses on backstretch in light training while the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, endangering racing seasons.
Stallions, breeding mares and foals arriving at Canadian farms, which keep human numbers in one area to a minimum and sanitizing to the max.
Woodbine’s backstretch is restricted to only essential care for horses and regular training operations will not be permitted.
Strict measures and awareness working at the barn area at Woodbine racetrack as everyone in the Thoroughbred industry hopes for opening day.
Horsepeople returning to Canada from winter spots must adhere to measures implemented by Woodbine with regards to coming to the backstretch
Owners, visitors strongly advised to rethink visiting horses for now, Ontario casinos close, Alberta casinos stay open for simulcasting.
Overnight purse increases for some conditions rise up to 7.7 percent while Ontario-sired and Ontario-bred bonuses also get hikes.
Set-up on the Woodbine backstretch can begin Monday morning for the return of horses to Toronto's track for the 2020 season.
