Horse racing fans in Ontario are finally able to return to the ovals this Friday. This is possible due to the province’s earlier move into Step 3 of the Government’s Roadmap to Reopen plan. Woodbine Entertainment revealed that supporters will be permitted to indoor wagering and simulcasting in a limited capacity at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
According to the Step 3 guidelines, guests of the racetrack will be allowed to wagering and simulcasting areas at the property. As of right now, the maximum number of guests is set at 550 individuals at a time within the track’s grandstand. Then on July 23, grandstand seating will be increased to 75%, thus allowing much bigger audiences at the races.
Further Details for Visitors
Dining services at the track will continue to improve as the Railside BBQ will resume its outdoor dining options. And starting from July 23, the Mohawk Harvest Kitchen restaurant will allow indoor dining on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Tim Hortons will be now available during live racing hours, but before attending guests need to make a reservation.
Starting from this Friday, simulcasting, wagering, and guest areas will be within the Racebook sections at the horse racing facility. The areas are now designated to allow visitors to watch and bet on live horse races while providing a safe environment with more than enough social distancing. Visitors who plan on attending the areas must first register for their spot inside of the main entrance of the track.
The company informs that free parking for visitors will be available in the main parking lot, and visitors and spectators must enter the track through its main grandstand entrance. Audiences will be required to wear protective face masks while onsite, indoor, and outside when social distance cannot be avoided. Additionally, there will be no charges for attending the races at the venue.
In order to protect everyone, the company will also require guests to provide the necessary information for contact for bookings. The track will follow a strict safety plan and all staff members have undergone training about the mandatory health and safety protocols. Also, the track will perform a thorough and advanced sanitation process in all common areas and screen all guests for symptoms upon entering.
Internship Positions Available
Not long ago, Woodbine Entertainment announced its two new Standardbred Racing Internship positions. The internship will provide two individuals with the opportunity to witness first-hand horse-racing operations behind the curtains. The application process has already started and the two winners will be able to gather valuable experience at the company’s Race Office, Stakes Manager, Bookkeeper, Charter, Placing Judge, and Paddock.
Bill C-218 Statement
CEO of the horse racing leader – Jim Lawson, has most recently shared his thoughts on the passage of Bill C-218 at the Canadian Senate. The legislation would allow provinces to offer sports betting on a single event, with the exception of horse races. Mr. Lawson stated that he is extremely pleased with the company’s position as it stands it holds the exclusive betting rights on horse betting in the province.
Source: “Mohawk Getting ‘Back On Track‘”, Standardbred Canada, July 14, 2021
