Woodbine gets green light to begin meet June 18

The government of Ontario announced a three-step reopening of the province’s economy on Thursday. Live horse racing is included in Step 1 of that plan, which begins Monday, June 14.

The Standardbred season at Woodbine Mohawk Park will resume June 14, and then continue its regular schedule of five race days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). Woodbine’s Thoroughbred meet begins Friday, June 18 and will continue Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 for the opening weekend. It will then go to four race days per week on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule.

Woodbine Entertainment also confirmed that it is prepared to accelerate the resumption of live racing if the Ontario government enters Step 1 of the “Roadmap to Reopen” plan earlier than expected.

“On behalf of the horse racing industry and the thousands of families who depend on it, I would like to thank the premier’s office and local health authorities for providing some much-needed clarity,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson. “While the timing is not ideal, we can now prepare for the resumption of live racing with a degree of certainty. I would also like to acknowledge Ontario horse people for their patience and resiliency during the past several months.”

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Woodbine Entertainment has received permission from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to host qualifier races at Woodbine Mohawk Park beginning May 27.

Updated stakes schedules and condition books will be released in the coming days.