As Toronto entered Stage 3 of the Ontario Government’s plan to reopen the provincial economy, we were very pleased to welcome owners back to the apron at Woodbine Racetrack to watch their horse(s) during live racing. We are continuing to evolve our protocols, while keeping all participants safe and adhering to government guidelines on gatherings.
As plans evolve, we are now able to offer owners the opportunity to watch their horses train in the morning from the Grandstand apron, effective Saturday, Aug 15, 2020. One owner plus one guest will be permitted access to on Saturday and Sunday mornings. No access to the backstretch will be granted at this time, as this remains essential employees only. Please see protocols below.
Additionally, we will be allowing owners participating in upcoming Stakes races, the opportunity to bring a larger number of guests as follows:
Regular Overnight Race: 1 owner + 1 guest = max 2 people per horse
Stakes Race: 1 owner + up to 3 guests = max 4 people per horse
Woodbine Oaks: 1 owner + up to 5 guests = max 6 people per horse
Please see below the protocols and procedures for owners to access to the apron to watch their horse(s) race or train at Woodbine Racetrack.
Starting this Saturday, August 15, owners and guest(s) will be allowed to access the apron at Woodbine Racetrack for a race in which they have a horse competing on any race day, or a horse training (Saturdays & Sundays only).
All owners will be required to pre-register prior to attending for live racing (a link to pre-register is below), as space is limited due to current COVID-19 and provincial outdoor gathering capacity limits. Every owner and guest attending live racing or training will undergo mandatory screening and a temperature check prior to gaining access to the apron through the security check point at Gate 10, near the west entrance to the grandstand.
In addition to pre-registering, all owners and their guest must fill out Woodbine’s online daily COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to attending. Completion of the questionnaire in advance of arrival will avoid lineups at the entrance.
Owners and their guest will have access to the apron for viewing a race in which they have a horse competing only. Following the conclusion of that race, they are asked to leave to provide space for other owners. Owners and guest will not be permitted in the paddock, race office, backstretch or the grandstand building at this time. Owners with multiple races on a single card of racing will be asked to wait by their vehicle until the apron becomes available for access. Owners are asked to use the secured west parking lot. There will be no food and beverage service or wagering services available at this time.
All owners are asked to review and comply with the following protocols for attending live racing at Woodbine Racetrack.
- Owners are to enter via Gate 10 and must check-in at the security booth before heading directly to the apron.
- All owners and their guest must be pre-registered in order to gain access to the apron for live racing.
- Owners must accompany their guest onto the apron.
- Each person entering will undergo screening and a temperature check.
- Owners are to go directly to the apron upon completion of screening process.
- A mask must be worn at all times while on the property, including at all times while on the apron and in the Winner’s Circle.
- Winning owners and their guest will be permitted to access the Winner’s Circle following physical distancing protocols by remaining more than six feet apart from the jockey, trainer and groom.
- Owners may arrive 30 minutes prior to the race if they have a horse competing in and must leave following completion of that race and wait by their vehicle.
To register for Saturday and any subsequent days, please visit https://woodbine.com/blog/owner-registration/
While we are excited to see our owners on the apron at Woodbine Racetrack, our approach to resuming operations remains consistent in putting the safety of our horsepeople, employees and guests first, and to protect our live racing program. Woodbine Racetrack will continue to require face coverings to be worn by anyone working or visiting our property.
To that end, our plan is to gradually reopen Woodbine Racetrack. As we begin this gradual process, we must all continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention protocols that are in place. We have recently shared our plans with the provincial Ministry of Health to ensure they are comfortable with our approach. This means that we will not be reopening to the general public at this time. We will provide you with updates regarding that in the coming days.
Thank you for choosing Woodbine and we sincerely appreciate your patience over the last couple of months.
Any questions, please contact Martha Wakely, Manager Racing Operations and Owner Concierge at mwakely@woodbine.com .
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