Woodbine Entertainment made it clear that there are more changes coming our way now that the unprecedented situation has taken over the country. Pepsi North America Cup would not take place on its original date, June 20. The event has been postponed for a later date that is yet to be revealed publicly. This is one of the latest changes to the Woodbine Mohawk Park live schedule.
This year is supposed to see the 37th edition of this popular live race bringing together people interested in live horse racing and quality time spent with their loved ones and friends. Back at the beginning of this year, Woodbine Entertainment issued the official timeline of events aiming to diversify the local horse racing field.
Live Racing Postponed
Various live races were supposed to make the spring and summer months of 2020 more exciting for Ontario horse racing lovers. This includes both Thoroughbred and Standardbred live racing. June 20 was supposed to see the 37th run of the Pepsi North America Cup one of the iconic live races overseen by Woodbine Entertainment. As it became clear this week, this would not be the case.
The horse racing leader has remained as flexible as possible during this unprecedented period of time, following closely recommendations and restrictions from government and health officials. The race in question is part of a grand horse racing schedule and more adjustments would be needed as time progresses. However, the health of individuals is more important right now, as Jim Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of Woodbine Entertainment clarified.
The upcoming months are about to see more work and the eventual announcement of the most appropriate time for this year’s Pepsi North America Cup. Woodbine Entertainment is about to closely collaborate with fellow racing jurisdictions in the process. It could be recalled that March 20 witnessed a lockdown at Woodbine Mohawk Park, eventually leading to the postponing of the live racing schedule.
More Changes Announced
Chief Executive Officer Jim Lawson has made some estimations over the weeks of lockdown. He shared his thoughts in a recent online conversation with Jason Portuondo. The way he sees things, the months June and July could see horse racing events return, but projections are that they would not feature spectators on the premises of the racetracks. Large events to the likes of Queen’s Plate at the end of June was postponed indefinitely.
The premium event is supposed to see its 161st live run, once again welcoming horse racing enthusiasts from across the country and North America. The CA$1-million race was about to take place on June 27 at Woodbine Racetrack, but the first days of April saw its indefinite postponement. The entire live season would have to be reworked and a new schedule would be issued.
This would happen once a reevaluation of the situation across the province has been made and only in accordance with health experts. Mr. Lawson made it clear that the relationship between the horse racing industry and Ontario’s government has been improved over the past couple of years and this is evident by the horse people’s financial support guaranteed.
