Woodbine Releases Race Day Protocols During COVID-19

Woodbine is working hard to keep racing participants safe and healthy. Please help keep racing operations going safely by following the protocols set out in this document. Every essential staff person and racing participant must follow the safest practices on-site and off-site: please try to limit exposure outside of the racetrack, stay 6 feet/2m away from others, recommended to wear a mask outside the home if possible, do not touch your face, and wash hands/sanitize frequently.

The health of all horse people is of paramount importance, but the group that post the greatest risk to continue racing, are the Jockeys and the Starting Gate Crew. Please handle these groups with great care and respect and encourage others to do so, too. Always wear your mask, stay physically distanced and keep your hands sanitized.

• Only licensed, essential people will be permitted onsite at Woodbine: grooms, hotwalkers, trainers, assistant trainers, exercise riders, jockeys (special protocols below), blacksmiths, dentists, veterinarians, essential feed and bedding deliveries, Woodbine essential staff, official racetrack photographer, regulators and racetrack officials are allowed on site.
• Jockey agents are not permitted at this time and must continue to work from home and use alternative forms of communication.
• Owners are not permitted onsite at this time, aligned with racetracks across North America and the Province’s guideline on sports without spectators.
• Every person (horse person, employee, delivery) must continue to undergo screening and daily temperature checks at East Gate Stable security when entering the backstretch.
• ALL participants and Woodbine staff must use the East Stable Gate for in and out access.
• Face coverings/masks are mandatory for all, and must cover the nose and mouth, and be washed/disinfected daily.
• All personnel must inform their respective employer or manager if they feel sick. Employers should inform Robert Jordan, Senior Manager Security Woodbine Backstretch immediately so a secondary screening may be initiated.
• It is of the utmost importance that anyone feeling sick, must stay home, and report illness immediately to Woodbine Security.
• Hand sanitization pumps are available throughout the backstretch, race paddock and apron area. Please sanitize frequently.
Racing Participants –Essential people Only – Trainer, Groom, Racing Officials
• Travel time to the front side for Trainers will be increased as access is restricted to exit at the East stable gate and travel to the horse person’s parking area. When saddling a horse, allow for 15 minutes minimum to drive, park and clear through Security Checkpoint.
• One Trainer and one Groom may accompany each entry into the Paddock. If an assistant is required to help walk an entry to the Paddock, the assistant must wait outside the saddling area, in the designated waiting area, physically distanced. Two people permitted per horse – no exceptions.
• All participants will undergo a screening before entering the Paddock/Jock’s Room area at a designated check point.
• Only those leading horses will not have a secondary temperature check for equine/human safety reason. They will have had a temperature check at the East Gate Security upon entry to backstretch.
• Wearing a mask/face covering is mandatory at all times – Trainers, Grooms, Jockeys and Woodbine Racing officials.
• Should a horse be difficult, Assistant may enter to help with the express consent of the Paddock Judge.
• Trainers. Grooms and Jockeys must practice physical distancing as much as possible when saddling, giving instructions and mounting.
• It is recommended that instructions be given via mobile or text before racing whenever possible.
• Woodbine Grandstand Apron will be open ONLY during live racing for Trainer and Groom to wait, socially distanced by horse number. (All seating and box areas will remain closed).
• Trainer and Groom to access the Apron via the stairs/ramp at the west end of the grandstand to watch the race in designated area. Apron will be cleared after every race.
• Trainers without an entry in the current race may not enter the Apron area or Grandstand to view a race.
• There will be NO washrooms available in the grandstand for Trainers, Grooms at this time. Please plan accordingly before leaving the backstretch.
• Trainers entering a Claim will be permitted entry at Gate 10 and must follow all guidelines. See protocols below in Bookkeeper section.
• Woodbine Grandstand building will be closed to all participants and there are NO food or beverage services until further notice and further direction from the Province.
• A coffee truck will service the paddock area during live racing, located north of the saddling area.
Grandstand Closed – 6th Floor Access Permitted as follows:
• The 6th Floor access will be restricted to Race Announcer, Placing Judge, Photo Finish, AGCO Stewards, Trakus/Gmax personnel, Equibase Personnel, and Woodbine Clocking staff (during morning training only). All must follow social distancing protocols.
• Masks mandatory. All persons must also practice physical distancing at all times and frequent handwashing. Cleaning protocols will be in place on 6th floor for high touch surfaces and areas.
• Press elevator is restricted to a maximum of 2 people per car. Masks mandatory.
• Media are not permitted at this time.

Scroll to continue with content

Jockeys – Race Day

Clerk of the Scales will keep a record of all people entering the Jockey’s Room. You must have express permission to enter. Included are: Jockeys with mounts that day, Clerk of the Scales, Assistant Clerk of the Scales, AGCO Stewards, Jockey’s Valets, Colours Room Attendant, Jockey’s Guild Directors, Racing Operations Personnel, EMS personnel. No family or guests may visit.
• Jockeys must wear a mask and gloves at all times, including when receiving instructions from Trainers or Assistants, mounting, when being escorted by a pony, and when entering the starting gate. Starting Gate crew and EMS will wear medical grade masks.
• Masks may be pulled down only during the race if required.
• Masks are recommended to have head/neck ties and not just ear loops, as these can fly off during a race.
• Masks must be put back on/worn again for unsaddling with Valet and weighing out with the Clerk of Scales. Practice physical distancing at all times.
• Sauna, steam rooms, baths and ice box are closed until further notice.
• Physical Therapy will not be offered at this time due to Provincial guidelines.
• Jockey weights are being addressed in the AGCO Rule change to allow for a 8lb overweight.
• Jockeys will be allowed entry to the Jockey’s Room no more that 1 hour before scheduled ride and must vacate Jockey’s Room when they are finished riding for the day.
• Jockey and Valets will be situated in new areas created to allow for physical distancing. New cleaning protocols to be followed including:
• All tack to be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
• Silks to be washed following each race.
• Jockeys who travel to any other racetrack to ride will not be permitted to reenter in the Main Jockey’s Room for a minimum of 14 days. A Secondary Jockey’s Room will accommodate any of these riders, or riders coming from another racing jurisdiction. After the 14 days and a Security Screening, these riders will be permitted to return to the main Jockey’s Room.

Horse Person’s Finance (Bookkeeper), Claims

• The TB Bookkeeper office will resume operations by June 6.
• Schedule and visits will only be permitted during LIVE racing hours.
• By Appointment Only: All requested bookkeeping transactions (cheques, transfers, statements, etc.) must be communicated to the Bookkeepers in advance of arrival at Woodbine Racetrack via telephone, email or fax. Security will have a list of appointments at the Gate 10 entrance west entrance.
• A maximum of two connections who are listed on the account(s) or two individuals party to a single transaction will be allowed in the Race Office to conduct their Bookkeeping transaction(s) with the Bookkeepers. While in the vicinity of the Bookkeeper’s office, physical distancing measures will be strictly enforced.
• Masks are mandatory and people must pass through the Security Screening Checkpoint at Gate 10, again during live race days only.
• Trainers entering a Claim will be permitted entry at Gate 10 and must follow all guidelines. Please note claims envelopes are to be folded closed (not licked).
• Please ensure all business is conducted in a timely manner as other Horse People will also be waiting to get transactions processed while on site at Woodbine Racetrack.
• Loitering in the Race Office is strictly prohibited at this time. Trainers without an entry in the current race may not enter the Apron area or Grandstand to view a race.
• Please note, with the Grandstand closure, there is no cheque cashing available on site.

Winner’s Circle Photo

• All races will be photographed at the wire. Secondary shot with only Trainer and Groom with horse and rider permitted on the Tapeta Track.
• All Stakes races will be photographed on the Turf Track in front of Grandstand with Trainer holding trophy. NO presenters. Trophies will be handed over with gloves and packed immediately, to be taken by Trainer for delivery to Owner.
• To obtain a copy of the photos, Owners may make arrangements with Michael Burns Photography at michaelburnsphoto@gmail.com.
• There will be no stakes videos until further notice.
CPMA Test Barn Protocols:
• Physical distancing to be practiced at all times. when entering the test barn with a horse. Attend the opposite side of the horse, from the technician.
• Remain vigilant and respectful of the Racing Forensic Technicians at all times.
• A security guard will be posted to facilitate entrance to the barn for testing, and to provide gloves for grooms if required.
• Hands sanitized on the way in and way out.
• Masks Mandatory
• Blood will be taken if urine sample is not obtained within 40 minutes.

Race Day Paddock Schooling

• Schooling horses in the Paddock will not be permitted during live racing.
• Horses will be permitted to school as scheduled in advance with Racing Operations.
• We will limit schooling to 8 horses maximum per time slot, to ensure social distancing in paddock.
Woodbine Racing Officials and Employees:
• Masks are mandatory at all times, unless travelling alone in a vehicle.
• All WEG employees who work in other positions in the backstretch must shower and be dressed in work uniform before arriving for their respective jobs (valets, gate crews, outriders, racing personnel).
• Woodbine employees transitioning to work from the backstretch to the front side, must access shower facilities in the New Standardbred Paddock. Sanitize hands before entering the change room area.
• Showers to be disinfected 2x per day as per medical guidelines.
• All personnel will be informed/trained on best practice of use and disposal of Personal Protection Equipment.
Starting Gate and Crew
• All Starting Gate Crew members will wear medical grade masks/PPE and gloves at all times.
• The starting gate shall be sanitized and cleaned daily.
• All starting gate staff will be required to remain near the gate between races or, in the case of inclement weather, in a designated area for protection. Respite areas allowing for social distancing are set-up in the Stbd Paddock.
• Gate crew shall travel in vehicles allowing for social distancing.
Outriders and Pony Crew
• Masks and gloves are mandatory.

Reminders – Morning Training Protocols

1. Jockeys may not enter any barns, and must meet horses outside the shedrow only for scheduled works. Masks mandatory.
2. Communications by jockeys with trainers and stable staff must be done via phone, text or video conference.
3. Trainers’ shower rooms in dormitory will remain closed. Showers remain closed at this time.
4. Racing Stable Managers and Syndicate Managers will be permitted to the backstretch by application in advance, with a maximum of 1 person per vehicle, undergo screening, and will be restricted to two areas only and the following protocols:
5. Cars may park in designated area immediately inside the East Stable Gate at the backstretch area near the 3/8ths pole. Must remain physically distanced from others by 6ft/2m. Masks mandatory.
6. Cars may park near the race office, and viewing can take place in the blue bleacher seats near the 5/8ths pole, physically distanced from others by 6ft/2m. Masks mandatory.
7. Training track viewing also permitted from the rail only. Must remain physically distanced from others by 6ft/2m. Masks mandatory. Clocker’s stand is not open to anyone for viewing purposes.
8. No visits to any barns , parking areas permitted.
9. Backstretch kitchen is open for essential workers only – take out only.
10. The Rec Room will remain closed.

Stable Area Ship Ins & Outs– Farm and Fort Erie

Please stay posted with Race Office email updates.
• Horses shipping in from Farms and Fort Erie to race will be allotted stalls in Receiving Barn with all social distance protocols in place. If shipping to a Trainer stabled at Woodbine, horse must travel alone and be raced by Woodbine backstretch personnel.
• Horses being shipped to Fort Erie to race must travel alone and be sent to the care of a Fort Erie based Trainer and staff.
• Horses shipping in to train in the morning, may only train on non-race days. NO EXCEPTIONS. They must use Receiving Barn. They will not be allowed access to any other barns until further notice.
• If a USA horse ships in to a main barn, staff may only attend once they have completed the safety guidelines as per the Province.
Race Office Business & Entries
• Entries will be taken by phone only.
• Race office will be open with the exception of Mondays.
• Please visit for essential business only to limit exposure of essential staff and do as much as possible through email or phone communications.
• Limit of 2 people at a time in the entrance foyer.
• Paperwork can be dropped off – in and out.
• Please adhere to the social distancing guidelines and sanitize hands on the way in and way out.
• Masks are mandatory.

Key Contacts

Scott Lane, Race Secretary slane@woodbine.com.
Tim Lawson, Asst Race Secretary tlawson@woodbine.com
Julie Bell, Stakes Manager jab@woodbine.com.
Karl Lagerborg, Sr. Mgr Racing Operations at kal@woodbine.com
Martha Scott Mgr Racing Operations at mscott@woodbine.com .
AGCO Office on-site at Woodbine – (re-opens Thursday, June 4, 2020)
416-675-3993, 1-2237 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Social distancing, masks and sanitizing in effect.

Stall Office – the stall office will remain open. Please restrict in person visits and use stalloffice@woodbine.com. This email address is monitored daily.
Maintenance Shop/Property Services – please do not enter this building under any circumstances, especially through the garage bay doors. This has been a safety issue. Use email or phone to report work orders to the Stall Office stalloffice@woodbine.com.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We are in this together and must stay safe together to keep going. Please monitor yourself, your workmates and fellow horse people. Let’s get racing safely and stay racing safely. Good luck to all

Tags: COVID-19,