Woodbine Entertainment is ready to do what it takes for the 2020 live Thoroughbred season to introduce all its live races in a safe manner. The racing leader pointed out it continues its conversation with the government of Ontario, eyeing the completion of its live meet. It was supposed to come to an end on December 13 and this remains the goal.
The unprecedented situation across Ontario has already taken its toll on the local gambling and horse racing fields, along with other areas of the provincial economy. Last week saw the announcement that Woodbine Racetrack might have to cut its 2020 live schedule short and cancel the remaining live races until December 13.
Woodbine Racetrack
Woodbine Entertainment once again proved its flexibility during these trying times with its latest announcement directly affecting daily operation. Woodbine Racetrack had to put an end to its 2020 racing season and November 22 was the last racing day of its schedule. This announcement came as a result of the latest health recommendation coming from the provincial government seeking to protect individuals.
Ontario’s government issued an update directly affecting the Toronto and Peel regions, announcing a second lockdown for many of their businesses. Some of those are salons and gyms where physical distancing is harder to achieve. The Thoroughbred racetrack was also considered among the businesses that will have to suspend their operation indefinitely. These new measures were introduced at 12:01 a.m. ET on November 23 and the horse racing leader considered it best if it suspends its live racing schedule at Woodbine Racetrack.
However, there is still hope that the popular racing destination could see live races take place leading up to December 13. Woodbine Entertainment issued an official statement on its Twitter account shedding more light on the subject. According to the horse racing leader of Ontario, the conversation with the provincial government continues upon a request.
December 13
As the conversation is still in progress, the racing leader made it clear that an update on the progress and the final decision will be issued in a timely manner. Woodbine Entertainment said that if a green light to its live racing operation is given, it will reschedule all canceled horse racing events over the upcoming weeks.
This will give the 2020 live season the chance to reach completion and support the horse people of Ontario relying on it. Woodbine Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Jim Lawson spoke on the subject recently, expressing the position of the local horse people. He made it clear that Woodbine Entertainment continues its obligation to support the provincial government and respects its health recommendations.
Mr. Lawson made it clear that the government of Ontario is expected to provide its support for the local horse people, as this early end of the 2020 racing season is projected to harm the local field. Since mid-March, some 1,300 individuals working on the racetracks have been temporarily or permanently laid off. The current situation is projected to negatively impact up to 2,000 horse people relying on Woodbine Racetrack for their income and employment.
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