Woodbine hoping for early-summer return
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson said in an online question and answer session on Wednesday that he’s hopeful Thoroughbred racing will return to Woodbine during the early portion of the summer.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a state of emergency was declared in the province of Ontario on March 17, and recently extended by 28 days to May 12. The Woodbine meet was scheduled to begin this Saturday.
“The good news is horse racing is one of the few sports and entertainment properties that can go on without spectators,” Lawson said. “That gives us an advantage in terms of hopefully starting earlier than other sports and entertainment properties. We’re not gate-driven. We can run our races when we’re allowed to, and they will be run without spectators for the foreseeable future.
"It would be irresponsible of me to suggest a date, but we’re looking at early May, when we hope some of this will be behind us. Hopefully, there will be good news in early May that some of the health restrictions and essential business restrictions are loosened or will be loosened. When we have some confidence, then we’ll start planning at resuming racing in June or July. I hope I’m not too optimistic in saying that. None of us really knows for sure.”
Aside from the horsepeople, Lawson stressed that only essential Woodbine personnel are allowed on the backstretch, which currently houses approximately 1,100 horses. Workouts are forbidden, but Lawson said there will be ample time for horses to gear up for the resumption of the meet when they are allowed.
“We’re very aware that horses need to get ready, and we will give them that opportunity,” Lawson said. “There will be anywhere from four to six weeks, and maybe more. We have a very limited staff that are taking temperatures, screening people, going onto the track. These people are doing a heroic thing. I’m very thankful for the great work that those front-line people are doing.”
Lawson said Woodbine is holding off on allowing more horses into the backstretch for the time being.
“Our main track is crowded, and from a safety standpoint, we don’t want to overcrowd the tracks,” Lawson explained. “As soon as we start regular training, I know of over 100 horses from this week alone that will ship in. We’ve got stall applications for over 1,800 [horses]. Until we get over this hump, we’re not about to bring more people in during this stay-at-home order in the city of Toronto. These people need to stay home and stay safe. We’re going to respect what the health authorities have directed us to do.”
The 161st running of the prestigious Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest annually run stakes, has been postponed from its scheduled date of June 27.
“The stakes schedules will be delayed, and we’re going to have to work in prep races for the major races, both the [Canadian] Triple Crown and Triple Tiara,” Lawson said.