Woodbine postpones meet opening

ETOBICOKE, Ontario—Woodbine’s Thoroughbred meet has been postponed from its scheduled April 18 opening, but horses can remain at the track for light exercise, according to a release put out by Woodbine Entertainment on Monday night.

The decision to postpone the start of the season was made following Monday’s announcement that the Ontario government is mandating that all non-essential businesses be closed by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. This will limit Woodbine’s backstretch to only essential personnel for the care of the horses, and regular training operations will not be permitted.

“Considering we will only be allowing for the essential care of the horses on our backstretch, we will not be in a position to open the season as scheduled on April 18,” said Jim Lawson, the CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “As previously communicated, we are currently in discussions with government agencies to help provide the support needed for horsepeople and the horses during this time of no racing.”

Effective immediately, the dirt training track is closing, and timed workouts and starting gate access won’t be offered until further notice. The main Tapeta track and sand ring will be open daily from 5:30-9 a.m. for jogging and galloping.

The backstretch dormitories for workers will remain open, but backstretch kitchen operations are suspended. Security will remain on site, along with track surface and stall office personnel.

Regular training operations are expected to resume once the provincial government allows for non-essential businesses to reopen, after which Woodbine Entertainment will determine a new start date for the 2020 meet.