Woodbine closed until further notice as non-essential businesses shut in Canada

Woodbine Entertainment, owners of Woodbine racecourse, announced on Tuesday it is postponing the start of the 2020 season until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision was taken after the government of Ontario mandated that all non-essential businesses closed by 11.59pm on Tuesday.

The government’s latest strategy to combat the threat of the coronavirus means regular training will not be permitted at the course with only essential care for horses based at the track.

Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, said: "Considering we will only be allowing for the essential care of the horses on our backstretch, we will not be in a position to open the season as scheduled on April 18.

"We’re currently in discussions with government agencies to help provide the support needed for horse people and the horses during this time of no racing."

Woodbine will determine a new start date for the campaign once training operations are allowed to resume at the track.

Racing was scheduled to resume at Woodbine on April 18 with four fixtures in April and 18 racedays in May.

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