Recently Woodbine Mohawk Park reminded all of its owners, trainers, and horsepeople that will be involved in its two-year-old summer series, about the 15 May payment’s deadline. In order for horsepeople to take part in the park’s upcoming major Standardbred stakes and nominations, they must complete the second sustaining payment by the said deadline.
Previously, Woodbine Entertainment announced that there will be some changes to its live horse racing calendar for the upcoming season. This is due to the ongoing stay-at-home order in Ontario that has suspended the company’s tracks in the province. The CA$1-million and long-awaited Pepsi North America Cup was rescheduled to a later date of September 11, 2021.
Payments Due
Prior to no further changes in the live harness calendar and in the lockdown restrictions, in the upcoming months Woodbine Mohawk Park will be hosting its annual edition of the two-year-old summer series. Over the year the event has been the start-up point for many world-beaters, and this year The Dream Maker, Whenuwishuponastar, Millard Farms and Pure Ivory offer exceptional racing options with two preliminary legs and CA$50,000 added for each event.
The track has reminded all involved participants in the upcoming series that May 15 is the final date to complete the sustaining payments for the summer events. The nomination fee for each two-year-old horse is CA$500. Additionally, the deadline for stake nominations for the 2022 Champlain and 2023 Simcoe events is also May 15. The full list of the track’s events that require nomination payments can be found on its official website.
Mohawk Million Slots
Most recently EquineX revealed that its two slots for the CA$1 million Mohawk Million event will be available for a registry. Paul Simmons, owner, and chairman of the company stated that they have decided to spend CA$200,000 on two slots for a couple of reasons. First, he wanted to support the initiative of a major buy-in racing event, and secondly because he wants to promote the company by making the slots available.
Mr. Simmons explained that one slot is designated for colts and the one for fillies. He stated that anyone can register for the two slots and it costs US$400. He further clarified that once horses are registered, starting from July every week the company will list the top 25 colt and filly earners that are registered for the promotion. And on September the winners will be selected by a selection committee.
Tentative Date
However, there still many uncertainties regarding the Standardbred season as the situation in Ontario is still quite vague despite nearing the end of the current lockdown. CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Jim Lawson has revealed that June 5 is the eyed as a potential start of the season, but still, Mr. Lawson reminded that this is a tentative date to help horsepeople in their preparation for the season.
Training Restart
Speaking of the upcoming live racing season at the Woodbine Mohawk Park, the harness racing track was able to reopen for training exercises not a while ago. Despite, the province still being under stay-at-home order the track was able to welcome staff members and horsepeople on May 6. All operations in the venue are conducted under strict health and safety protocols to prevent the unprecedented situation from spreading.
Source: “May 15 Payments Due For Mohawk Stakes”, Standardbred Canada, May 14, 2021
