The Woodbine Entertainment Group has announced that it is set to usher in a new era of Champions Off Track Betting with its revitalized Greenwood teletheatre.
Greenwood, on the site of the old Woodbine Park in the Beach area of Toronto (1661 Queen Street East), will have a Grand Re-opening this Saturday, May 31.
Champions Off Track Betting offers horse racing fans a chance to watch and wager on live Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing from across the world, including races from Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks, from locations in their own neighbourhood.
"We’re proud of this redesigned Greenwood Off Track Betting facility and its role in serving the customers of ‘The Beach,’” said Jorge Soares, WEG’s senior director of Off Track Operations and Hospitality. "Fans will be impressed with the new contemporary setting that also pays tribute to the location’s deep racing history.”
Greenwood, called Woodbine when built in 1874, held the King’s or Queen’s Plate in 1876, 1881 and from 1883 to 1955. King George VI was the first reigning monarch to witness the ‘Royal Race’ in person in 1939, as Archworth romped by 10 lengths in the King’s Plate.
The redesign presents several fresh amenities for the new age horseplayer, including 120 flat screen HD TVs, free WiFi, a new food menu and bar. A VIP area, which offers private carrels, is also now available.
“We’re offering these new amenities and advanced technology options that are demanded by the modern day horseplayer,” said Gene Vite, Greenwood’s general manager. “Greenwood has been providing customers with a convenient and friendly outlet to wager for many years, but this redesign now makes it an exciting destination point for racing fans in the Beach area of the city.”
Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley will be on hand at the grand re-opening from noon to 2 p.m. and will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at approximately 1 p.m. Fans will also be offered free programs, great food and betting specials, and be eligible for great giveaways.
Toronto artist David Arrigo, who painted the racing themed murals which grace the facility, will also be on hand.
(With files from WEG)