The Woodbine racing department issued its stall allocations to horsepeople this week and there was one significant difference from past years; there will not be any permanent stabling in the six sales barns. The sales barns, numbers 17 to 22, are at the back of the Woodbine backstretch (furthest south point of property) and are situated between it and the CTHS Ontario sales pavilion which was built in 1963.

The sales barns have been used for the yearling and mixed sales held by the CTHS (Ont. division) or Woodbine or for whatever group has held the sales. There is stabling for about 300 horses. When there is not a sale, the barns have been used for permanent stabling for owners and trainers with smaller stables.

Citing “costly upgrades” to the sprinkler systems in the six sales barns, Woodbine will not offer stabling in four of the barns going forward. It has, however, upgraded the sprinkler system in two barns and will have those barns available for “any overflow or ship-in horses.”

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