Woodbine CEO Lawson expects meet to begin in June

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson said in a Wednesday release that he anticipates the resumption of live racing at Woodbine in June.

The Woodbine meet was postponed from April 18 due to the state of emergency declared by the province of Ontario in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, the state of emergency was extended to May 19 to cover the Victoria Day holiday weekend.

“Late last week, the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Task Force inspected the Woodbine backstretch,” Lawson said. “Not only did we pass the inspection, we were complimented for the protocols we have put in place. This is a result of a lot of hard work and cooperation by Woodbine Entertainment staff, the HBPA and all the horsepeople accessing the backstretch. It truly has been a team effort.”

The first condition book for the meet is currently being rewritten, and the stakes schedule is also being revised. Both could be put out by May 16.

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As part of the resumption of live racing, all tracks in the province will be required to provide pre-start protocols to Ontario Racing to confirm their readiness to resume racing without spectators, and to follow the strict protocols that meet the requirements of government health officials.

Untimed workouts began last Friday, and timed workouts should resume within a few weeks. When timed workouts commence, jockeys will be permitted to access the backstretch to participate under protocols that include meeting their mounts at the end of the shed row, while having minimal contact with trainers and grooms. Grooms and jockeys will be required to wear masks, except for when the rider is breezing a horse.

Masks will be mandatory for all backstretch participants as of May 13, and temperature checks at the east gate will continue.

Lawson will conduct his second “Stronger Together” online video conference on May 12 at 2 p.m.

“Hopefully, we will be able to share some positive news on the return of live racing,” Lawson said.