Woodbine Entertainment has once again proven 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 current live events schedule was supposed to come to an end in mid-December.
The past months have been quite dynamic for the horse racing leader of Ontario, overseeing Woodbine Mohawk Park and Woodbine Racetrack. It could be recalled that both locations had to suspend their live events in mid-March and back then a timeline for their reopening was not issued. Both hotspots greenlighted operation in June and they have been hosting live races ever since then.
Lockdown Impact
Thoroughbred live racing had to see its live season come to an end on November 22, as the situation on a provincial level changes dynamically. 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.
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. It should be noted that some of the live events supposed to take place on November 22 had to be canceled, due to the unfavorable weather conditions making it harder for Thoroughbred horse people to race. This year’s racing season at Woodbine Racetrack was supposed to come to an end on December 13.
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. Moreover, the horse racing leader has already sought more information on the foreseeable future.
What’s to Come?
This lockdown in Toronto and Peel will have an effect on the horse racing field along with other local industries. Mr. Lawson has addressed the potential issues it could cause down the road. He 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. The original plan of the racing hotspot was to introduce 75 stakes, amounting to some CA$13.8 million. Live races commenced on June 6.
Some of the bigger events, such as the GI Pattison Canadian International did not take place within this year’s live schedule but they will return in 2021. September 19 saw the CA$1-million GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile, whereas September 12 saw the official start of the CA$1-million Queen’s Plate.
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