Racing in Ontario could be starting soon. Following another Stronger Together video update and Q&A, Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson laid out dates for a possible start-up of the 2020 Woodbine Thoroughbred and Woodbine Mohawk Standardbred seasons.
Both breeds have been on hold because of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has halted activities, businesses and sports among other things since March.
On May 12, Lawson said he hoped that Woodbine’s Thoroughbred season could begin Saturday, June 6 while the Standardbred meeting would begin a day earlier, June 5. If not, Lawson said that June 12 (Standardbred) and June 13 (TB) would be the targeted start-up dates.
“We’re planning for those (early) June dates,” Lawson said. “Let’s hope we can proceed with the big caveat that we need to get approval from government and health authorities.
“People need to get back to live racing, they need to earn a living. I think everyone understands we’re an industry that’s been very hard hit and the sooner we can get racing the better, all subject to proper health guidelines.”
Also Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford extended the state of emergency mandate once again, now until June 2.
There will not be any spectators allowed at the tracks and there will be strict measures in place for the number of people allowed per horse in the paddock and taking horses out to the track. Jockeys will wear masks right up to the starting gate, take them off to race and then put them back on.
Jockeys are allowed on the backstretch beginning May 13, but are not allowed in barns. Owners are not allowed on the backstretch currently.
“We’re still in that mindset to keep numbers down in the backstretch. We need to keep people safe, and I can’t underline that enough. We all want racing to start, and the more we can control the people and control physical distancing, the better off we’re all going to be,” Lawson said.
“I would just ask people to be respectful,” he said. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Let’s not go backwards and undo everything we’ve done. Our management has done a great job, and our horsepeople have done a great job. Let’s keep our guard up; let’s not give anyone any excuses to have [our target date] be delayed.
The only way people will be able to bet on racing will be through HPI, HorsePlayer Interactive, as teletheatres and tracks are closed down to the public. HPI will no doubt be flooded with new accounts and bets once racing begins.
Masks will be mandatory on the Woodbine backstretch beginning tomorrow, May 13.
Timed workouts will begin this Friday, May 15. The training track could re-open on May 22.
Lawson noted that Thoroughbred racing would be held on a two day schedule for two weeks and then race Thursday through Sunday. Without spectators and no use for food and beverage and dining rooms, Wednesday night racing is put on hold currently. Lawson is looking into adding national television to local racing with an eye to a duo card of racing on Fridays of both breeds with Thoroughbreds beginning at 4 p.m.
It has been weeks of discussions and plans between Woodbine and the HBPA with AGCO and OLG trying to organize and lay out how and when racing can begin again. Documents were submitted to OLG on May 8 regarding plans for protocols and start up.
The Queen’s Plate, originally scheduled for June 27, could be held in September. It is uncertain if there will be spectators allowed or how many will be allowed.
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