Woodbine planning an early June opening without fans

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson said in an online question-and-answer session Tuesday that he’s planning for a June 6 or June 13 launch without fans for the Woodbine Thoroughbred meet, which was postponed from a scheduled start of April 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Government approval is pending.

“We’ve given out targeted dates, with the best information we know, and we’re trying to help people plan,” Lawson explained. “But at the end of the day, it’s not going to be Woodbine Entertainment’s decision as to when racing can start. I’m optimistic we’ll start in June. We’ve done all the planning. We’re ready to go. We just have to be patient and respectful with government, and we’ll get there. I have confidence that government is trying to help us. The sooner we get racing, the better. All subject to proper health guidelines.”

Lawson said the meet would begin on a weekend (Saturday/Sunday), with Fridays added the second week and Thursdays thereafter. The meet is scheduled to end Dec. 13, and there are no plans to extend it. Traditional Wednesday night racing will be scrapped for at least the summer.

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“Thursdays are better for business,” Lawson said. “We will have more wagering on Thursday afternoons. Our horsepeople will like it better. That’s the plan for the summer, at least until we resume food and beverage service, when it makes sense to go back to some Wednesday night racing.”

Lawson said post times may be adjusted Thursdays and Fridays if there is an opportunity to broadcast racing on The Sports Network (TSN) in Canada.

The first condition book is being rewritten and should be available by early next week, along with a revised stakes schedule.

“We’ve got the stakes schedule pretty nailed down,” Lawson said. “The opening stakes would be June 13-14.”

Lawson predicted a September date for the $1 million Queen’s Plate, with a mid-August date for the important Woodbine Oaks/Plate Trial Stakes card.

“Part of our thinking is there’s a better chance for spectators in September than in August,” Lawson explained. “In any event, we feel like we need a couple of months of prep races to get horses ready to go a mile and a quarter. I don’t think we’ve coordinated with Fort Erie yet for the Prince of Wales [Stakes], but we’re working through that.”

Jockeys will be allowed on the backstretch under strict protocols beginning this Wednesday, when starting gate operations will commence. Official timed workouts will begin Friday.

“That will include timed workouts from the gate,” Lawson said. “The gate will be available Wednesday for schooling.”

Lawson said the one-mile dirt training track will open May 22, but turf training will be delayed due to the unseasonably cold spring.

“We are anticipating a greater horse population,” Lawson said. “We have to get ready for planned racing, and we need the facilities. Turf training will likely resume in June.”