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Woodbine Ent. CEO Voices Live Racing Concerns

Woodbine Entertainment is preparing for the official launch of live horse racing in Ontario at the beginning of next month. However, this relaunch process comes with quite the preparation, as Jim Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of Woodbine Entertainment, pointed out. The upcoming days are expected to be hectic across the two racetracks.

June 5 is about to welcome back live horse racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park and excite both the horse people of Ontario and the individuals electrified by the live events. The Standardbred racetrack is expected to welcome back racing horses next Friday and provide fans with a riveting experience. They will have the chance to follow everything happening on the racecourse in the comfort of their home.

Live Horse Racing on June 5

Mr. Lawson was among the supporters of live horse racing without spectators, as this would allow horse people the chance to train their horses and once again rely on a steady income. Ontario residents will be able to place their wages during the races and feel as if they are on the premises of the horse racetracks.

However, preparation for the upcoming season start has proven to be a serious task for the horse racing leader. The Chief Executive Officer said that his excitement of the upcoming start of the racing event quickly transformed into worries about individuals’ protection. He pointed out that now is not the time for individuals to let their guard down and think life is back to its normal pace. Live racing would have to see the implementation of many protective measures.

People should not become careless with their health right now, thinking the threat is gone, because it is not, reminded Mr. Lawson. The positive outcome and upcoming reopening of racetracks are the result of safety measures to the likes of social distancing. More special measures are about to be introduced on both Woodbine Mohawk Park and Woodbine Racetrack.

Strict Measures

This would make it possible for the horse racing field to continue its operation with regular events part of the 2020 live schedule. Ontario’s government showed its appreciation to the local horse people by including them in the first phase of the business reopening plan. Going against the rules of Woodbine Entertainment would destine the live racing season for failure. The horse racing leader has experience with live races without spectators.

Woodbine Mohawk Park made an attempt at hosting this type of live events at the very beginning of March. Mr. Lawson pointed out that the experience was a valuable one, even if it lasted only a couple of days. The lessons would help with the Woodbine Mohawk Park races, but Woodbine Racetrack would bring its unique situation.

The Thoroughbred racetrack is expected to see its official launch of live racing on June 6. Standardbred purses won’t be affected by the current situation and horse people should be confident in their support. Mr. Lawson made it clear that purses in 2021 and 2022 would probably experience some impact as a result of this spring’s lockdown on both horse racing and brick-and-mortar casino gaming.

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Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.