Ontario’s largest horse racing operator, Woodbine Entertainment, announced that it will be adjusting purses for some of its Thoroughbred races and it is good news. The equine leader said that it will be increasing its purses for all overnight racing events at its Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. They will now be boosted by a hefty 10%.
Previously known as the Ontario Jockey Club, Woodbine Entertainment is Ontario’s largest horse racing operator. It offers world-class Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing at its two tracks – Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park. It also offers digital television service HPItv and online wagering on horse racing via the HorsePlayer Interactive betting platform.
Purses are Increased
On September 29, 2022, Woodbine Entertainment announced that there will be a substantial increase in its purses for all of its overnight races contested at Woodbine Racetrack. All purses will be now boosted by 10% and the change will go into effect from Thursday, October 13, 2022. However, the organization said the change will not include the Maiden Allowance Races.
In addition to increasing purses for all overnight Thoroughbred racing events, the provincial horse racing leader also revealed that the starter’s bonus will now be growing from the previous amount of CA$400 to CA$500. These changes will be reflected in Condition Book 9. Meanwhile, live races at the track continue every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 11.
Loyalty Crowned Champion of CA$125,000 Duchess
On Saturday, spectators at Woodbine Racetrack witnessed yet another exciting round of Thoroughbred races, as the track hosted the CA$125,000 Duchess. Loyalty emerged victorious at the race for 3-year-old fillies and competed against four rivals over 7 furlongs on the property’s main track. The filly started from the inside post and faced an early battle from Hollywood Walk and Join the Dance.
With Luis Contreras at the reins, Loyalty, owned by Gainesway Stable and LNJ Foxwoods, managed to record a 1 ½-length win with a time of 1:22.90 on the Tapeta. Souper Hoity Toity got to second, with Join the Dance third, and Pharoah’s Song fourth This season Loyalty won her first two starts, both 6-furlong sprints on the Woodbine Tapeta.
Coming to Online Sportsbooks Soon
There is some good news on the horizon for fans of the sport, as most recently, Woodbine Entertainment shared that online sportsbooks in Ontario could soon offer wagering on the organization’s races. For the change, the operator requires a permission from the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, and it is currently aiming for a launch before the end of the Calendar year.
Currently, the provincial horse racing leader is also working on modernizing its offerings and services as a way of attracting a new generation of fans. Some of its efforts include the launch of the Stella Artois Terrace Patio at Woodbine Racetrack. The new venue impresses with an open-air area equipped with comfortable seats, chef-made meals, fresh greenery, and glass partitions which enable a tremendous view for the guests
Source: “Woodbine announces purse increase”, Woodbine Entertainment, September 29, 2022
