Harness: Ontario lockdown results in multiple track suspensions

According to an article on Standardbred Canada's website, the government of Ontario has announced a province-wide lockdown that will result in the suspension of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Western Fair and Rideau Carleton effective Saturday, April 3.

The lockdown is expected to last at least four weeks and it was announced that larger vaccine supplies for the COVID-19 virus would be available to the area in June.

The following release was issued by Woodbine:

Woodbine Entertainment today (4/1) announced live Standardbred racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park will be temporarily suspended following this Friday's (April 2) card due to the Government of Ontario imposing a province-wide 'emergency brake', effective Saturday, April 3 at 12:01 a.m.

Live horse racing, without spectators, is not currently permitted during the Government of Ontario’s 'emergency brake' shutdown, which will be in place in for a minimum of four weeks.

Woodbine Entertainment continues to engage in discussions with the Provincial Government and Halton Region regarding the request to continue safely operating live racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park during this shutdown or a lockdown situation.

As part of these discussions, Woodbine continues to demonstrate its commitment to safety through its industry-leading COVID-19 Prevention Protocols and a safety record that includes not a single case of on-site transmission of the virus at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Live racing is schedule to be conducted tonight (April 1) and Friday (April 2) prior to the shutdown. Post time is 7 p.m.