Woodbine Entertainment gave a nod to live horse races including both Standardbred and Thoroughbred events. Friday night saw the official start of live harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville. On the next day, Woodbine Racetrack greenlighted Thoroughbred races following twelve weeks of uncertainty and the dynamically changing situation on a provincial level.
The horse people of Ontario have been patiently waiting for the official start of live racing, as wagering on the live events is what supports their operation and lives. Individuals interested will have the chance to place bets in the comfort of their home while they follow everything happening thanks to the live stream available on TSN. This weekend brought two days featuring ten-race cards.
Woodbine Mohawk Park
Woodbine Mohawk Park welcomed back harness racing icons and their drivers on June 5 and they had to race in front of the empty grandstand on the premises of the harness racetrack. Saskatoon was the horse that managed to win the first event of this new phase racing for Ontario. Driver Doug McNair was the driver who teamed up with trainer Carmen Auciello during the preparation period.
Five-year-old pacing mare Kendall Seelster also saw a successful Friday racing action which eventually led to her career earnings surpassing the CA$1-million mark, as she saw her 25th career victory. Driver Sylvain Filion marked three winning races during the Friday live racing. June 5 was a memorable day, as it saw the CA$32,000 Mares Preferred Pace drawing the attention of many harness racing fans.
Saturday saw the official greenlighting of live racing at Woodbine Racetrack. The Thoroughbred hotspot unveiled a busy day with riveting events. Before the live action commenced some of the jockeys knelt and showed their solidarity with the Black Lives Matters movement and the protests across the US. Once this was done, the live races and Thoroughbred horses were ready to start.
Woodbine Racetrack
This year’s live schedule is about to see live races all the way to mid-December. The days from Thursday to Sunday and sometimes Monday are projected to see tons of riveting live races with post time starting from 1 p.m. Saturday witnessed a total of 118 entries making their way there and raising the temperature during the eleven races. Woodbine Racetrack was supposed to see its scheduled launch on April 18.
The Thoroughbred racetrack saw only essential workers making their way there for the races, as spectators were not allowed on the premises of the racetrack. They had the chance to follow everything happening thanks to the live stream on TSN. Woodbine Entertainment inked a collaboration arrangement with the leader, making it possible for more people to learn about horse racing and watch it at home.
A new wagering app was also unveiled along with the official start of live racing in Ontario. It goes by the name of Dark Horse and it comes with advanced technology and a friendly interface. Horse racing enthusiasts across the province are now able to place their bets using the artificial intelligence technology implemented in it.
