On Wednesday (Nov. 25) Woodbine Entertainment provided an update on the 2020 Thoroughbred meet.
"We are continuing our efforts to gain approval from the Government of Ontario to safely complete the 2020 Thoroughbred meet," said Woodbine in its statement. "Based on the timing of these ongoing efforts, live racing on Saturday, November 28 has been cancelled.
"Should Government permit us to safely resume live racing, Sunday, November 29 would be the earliest date," the update continued. "The Race Office would open on Friday, November 27 at 6 a.m. for entries. Furthermore, if Woodbine Entertainment is permitted to complete the 2020 Thoroughbred meet, it will endeavour to reschedule the cancelled races."
Woodbine stated that they have committed to make a final decision on the status of the 2020 season by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26.
"We sincerely appreciate the patience from our community," the statement added. "As per the Grey (Lockdown) phase of the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions which went into effect on Monday, November 23 at 12:01 a.m., the stabling and training of horses is permitted at Woodbine Racetrack, but live horse racing is not.
"Since being permitted to race without spectators in early June, Woodbine Entertainment has demonstrated that live racing poses no greater health risk to participants than training. Furthermore, it believes it has clearly demonstrated an ability to safely operate live racing without spectators during that time."