Live horse races back on track at Woodbine this weekend

TORONTO — It’s official. Live horse racing will begin in Ontario this weekend. Woodbine Entertainment made the official announcement Monday.

That means harness racing will resume Friday at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with thoroughbred racing beginning Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack.

Racing at both venues will go without spectators and only essential personnel.

Each track has implemented strict health-and-safety protocols.

“The horse-racing industry supports tens of thousands of jobs throughout our province, making the return of live racing this weekend very meaningful for many people,” Jim Lawson, the CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, said in a statement. “We have spent a significant amount of time and resources developing and implementing physical distancing protocols to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

“While we take great pride in being the first pro sport back competing in Canada, we also recognize that comes with a big responsibility. We are absolutely committed to operating our live racing with safety as the highest priority.”

Winnipeg’s Assiniboia Downs became the first track in Canada to offer live thoroughbred racing last week.

Harness racing continued during the winter at Mohawk Park before being suspended March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the outbreak forced the start of the thoroughbred campaign to be delayed.

Woodbine Entertainment also announced it has launched Dark Horse, a new app that provides users with insights and strategies to help make smarter bets.