On Friday (March 20) officials with Rideau Carleton Raceway announced that the track would be suspending live harness racing effective immediately amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Regrettably, Rideau Carleton Raceway has determined in consultation with the NCRHHA, that for the health and safety of its horsepeople and employees, it is now appropriate to temporarily suspend live racing effective immediately," said the track in its statement. "The backstreach perimeter will also be closed with the exception for those horses currently stabled on site.

"We strongly support Woodbine Entertainment and Ontario Racing’s efforts in crafting a financial assistance program for our horsepeople whose interests are now so severely affected," the statement continued. "We shall continue to work closely with our local Health Agency and all racing bodies to restore our live racing program as soon as this health crisis passes. In the meantime, we ask all our community to stay safe and continue those practices of social distancing and enhanced sanitization."