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Woodbine To Open June 12

With news that the province of Ontario has entered Step One of the 'Roadmap to Reopen' plan earlier than anticipated, officials at the Woodbine Entertainment Group have announced that Thoroughbred racing will return to the track this Saturday, June 12, with first post set for 1:20 p.m. ET.

“While it has been a very frustrating period, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for the recent attention it has given the horse racing industry,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “In particular, I would like to thank Premier Doug Ford for his understanding and interest in the plight of the horse racing industry that has been so greatly impacted by the global pandemic and ensuing government restrictions.”

Racing will continue Sunday, June 13, followed by racing Friday through Sunday, June 18-20 before picking up with a four-day week (Thursday-Sunday). Woodbine plans to card additional races over the first two weekends to make up for some of the lost race days.

There will be no fans in attendance per governmental restrictions.

“Although our industry has been substantially impacted, I do very much remain confident in the future of horse racing in Ontario and look forward to getting back on track later this week,” Lawson added. “On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, thank you to our horse people for their patience, professionalism, and resiliency they continue to demonstrate, especially in face of adversity.”

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Nominations Open For Sixth Annual TIE Awards

Nominations for the 2021 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) opened June 7 and will close Monday, Aug. 2.

Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA), the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Breeders' Cup. Godolphin sponsors the Stud and Stable Staff Awards in England, Ireland, France and Australia.

While the 2020 TIE Awards ceremony took place virtually, a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year's ceremonies are planned as an in-person event in October hosted by Keeneland. Jill Byrne will serve as the master of ceremonies.

This year's award categories will reflect a few changes. First, there will now be one overall “Leadership Award,” combining the previously separated leadership awards in both breeding and racing. Second, a new category, the “Support Services Award,” has been added to reward an individual who works in any non-administrative, support service role in the Thoroughbred industry. Eligible candidates for this award include, but are not limited to: sales positions; auctioneers; gardeners; veterinary practices; farriers; starting gate crew; horse transport; grounds staff at sales companies, farms or racetracks; valets; horse dentists; physiotherapists; etc.

Churchill Downs, Hallway Feeds, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, I Am Horse Racing, along with Keeneland, will each be sponsoring an award this year.

This year's TIE Awards will offer total prize money of $122,000. The awards will be held in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion Friday, Oct. 15. For more information and to nominate online, please visit www.tiea.org.

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Welsh Racegoers To Return Next Week

With the news that spectators will be permitted to return to the races in Wales from Monday, racegoers are now able to attend courses across all three nations in Britain. Four-thousand spectators will be permitted at a fixture in Wales, with the first to take place under those guidelines at Chepstow on June 11. Spectators returned in England and Scotland on May 17; 4,000 spectators are currently permitted at a fixture in England, with Royal Ascot set to be a pilot event allowing 12,000.

The next phase in the UK Government's rollout, step four, is due to take place on June 21, though the government is not expected to confirm until June 14 whether it will proceed with step four or what that will entail for sporting events.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said, “I'm very positive about the ability of racing to take place safely as we've demonstrated throughout the long period of racing behind closed doors. I have been able to make that point directly to ministers and am delighted that Royal Ascot has been selected as a pilot event.

“We are now awaiting the government's review of social distancing rules, which need to be relaxed if we are to welcome back more spectators from 21 June. There is a lot of speculation in the media, but the government has told us no decision has yet been made. We are working closely alongside other elite sports to seek clarity from government at the earliest possible moment. There are a number of major sporting events shortly after 21 June, such as the Euros, Wimbledon, the Open Golf and the British Grand Prix.

“We thank all those owners and spectators attending racing at present for their patience in bearing with restrictions and look forward to the day when these can be safely removed.”

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Owners Welcome Back at Irish Racecourses on Monday

Owners will once again be welcome at Irish racecourses from June 7, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Wednesday. The news follows on the heels of the Irish Government announcement that up to 200 people can attend outdoor events from next Monday.

The last time owners were permitted on racecourses in Ireland was in September of 2020. Two owners per horse will be allowed to attend. There will be designated areas for owners to meet their trainers and jockeys at each track, while winning owners will be permitted to enter the parade ring after their race to welcome their horse.

“We have said all along that getting owners back on the racecourse has been a priority and it is great that it is happening from Bank Holiday Monday at Gowran Park and Listowel,” said Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh.

“Owners have stood by the industry during a very difficult period and their return on track paves the way for greater opening up of race meetings to racing fans in the coming months. Horse Racing Ireland's Ownership team will be in contact with all owners in advance of Monday with full details.

“Obviously, the overall experience for the time being will be an outdoor one, and to ensure that everybody can stay safe, there will be a number of requirements for owners, including registration in advance and arrival through the Health Screening Check-In Area.”

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