In an already difficult situation on the Woodbine backstretch, horsepeople are faced with managing their horses through a contagious equine virus.

Assiniboia Downs is ready to go for racing start-up on May 25 with spectator-less racing and a litany of safety rules in place.

As racetracks begin to open without spectators, restrictions on humans with horses and no owners allowed ushers in the new, current reality.

Stage 1, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 19, allows for horse racing without spectators and physical distancing measures in place.

Premier Doug Ford is expected to outline Stage 1 of a gradual re-opening of businesses in Ontario which will include horse racing.

June 13 is another possible start-up date for racing to begin after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the season.

A continuation of the series of information and Q & A videos from Woodbine Entertainment updating the horse racing scene during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Some US tracks are back in action this week, while Canadian tracks are in varying stages of re-opening as provinces ease into loosening measures.

Winners of the 24 Sovereign Awards categories will be announced live during a virtual ceremony that will be streamed live at 8:00 p.m. (EST).