Kawartha Downs ready to break from the gates starting June 6

Kawartha Downs will open for its 48th season on June 6 after the Ontario government allowed horse racetracks to reopen under its first phase of reopening the economy. While the races will be running, spectators won’t be permitted to watch live. Races will be streamed on the internet with online betting.

The Fraserville track had planned to open for the season May 9 until the province declared a state of emergency

over the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, the province announced that horse racing was among a few businesses allowed to operate under strict guidelines meant to prevent the spread of the virus, with spectators not allowed to watch for now.

With 17 out of its 21 races still set to take place this year, the racetrack will lose only four of its planned events for the season, said Jim Huck, harness racing supervisor at Kawartha Downs.

“It doesn’t look too good for spectators because no spectators are allowed, so putting it all into perspective harness racing is returning, but unfortunately without our fans,” Huck said.

The Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs will remain closed to the public, as will the concession stand, the restaurant dining room and the main entrance to the racetrack.

Some employees will be able to return to their jobs, but those whose jobs are not yet available, such as those taking bets at the kiosks, will be employed elsewhere.

“People will be able to bet our product through streaming,” Huck said.

“We will be streaming it through the internet. If you have an account with Horse Players Interactive, this allows you to bet from home.”

Horse owners, jockeys and support staff can expect to be tested when they first arrive at the racetrack, and social distancing will be respected.

“Unfortunately, we have to lock our doors to our customers, so on a Saturday night you’ll see the lights on, but no one is allowed to come in,” Huck said.

Huck has worked at the racetrack for almost 15 years and thinks it will be weird looking up from the back stretch into the grandstand and seeing no one there.

Kawartha Downs is one of the only racetracks in all of Ontario that can fill its grandstands every Saturday night, Huck said.

“That is why it is really hard for us to turn away our loyal fans and spectators that have been coming here for years.”