Horse Racing first sport in Ontario to open for general public
Woodbine Racetrack is set to welcome back spectators on Canada Day (July 1) for live racing for the first time in 2021, as horse racing becomes the first professional sport in Ontario to open its doors to the general public.
Opening its doors to the general public comes with the province entering Step 2 of its ‘Roadmap to Reopen’ plan, which permits horse racetracks to host 25 per cent of their outdoor capacity.
“Thursday’s return of fans to Woodbine will be an incredible day for the racing industry and a monumental day for Ontario as our province begins to reopen,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “The sound of the horses racing down the stretch and the fans cheering them on has been sorely missed and we’re more than ready to welcome back our great fans.
“We are thankful to the government for entrusting us to safely welcome back a limited number of spectators.”
Fans attending Thursday’s live racing will have the opportunity to see Canadian Horse of the Year and last year’s Queen’s Plate winner Mighty Heart race in the $150,000 Dominion Day Stakes. A one-eyed wonder, Mighty Heart captivated the Canadian horse racing and sports world with his pursuit of the Canadian Triple Crown in 2020, winning the first two legs (Queen’s Plate and Prince of Wales).
First-race post time for Thursday’s live racing at Woodbine Racetrack is 1:20 p.m. ET.
Any media interested in attending and covering Thursday’s return of spectators to a live sporting event are asked to e-mail woodbinecommunications@woodbine.com.
Woodbine Press Release
