Still some funds available as benefit payments for participants affected by the currently cancelled race.
The horse racing industry has been enduring its toughest time for a long time with ongoing lockdown restrictions and changes that could negatively impact the sport’s long-term sustainability. It has been put on hold indefinitely as the local government issues a 28-day stay-at-home order race on the local track.
John Hayes, head of the horse racing regulator, spoke on the subject of financial support for racers in the region. He said he was very happy that Ontario Racing was offering benefits because horse racing was cruelly hurt by unprecedented conditions. Live Harness regulators are committed to helping and supporting the industry and the well-being of thousands of workers at these times, putting priority on industry and welfare.
Qualification requirements for horses have also been disclosed. Horses and riders who were scheduled to race on certain race tracks on Saturday, April 3, 2021 and Sunday, April 4, 2021 will temporarily receive C$300. The event was drawn for Woodbine Mohawk Park, Western Fair and Lido Caleton.
There will also be a cumulative salary of C$1,000 for the month of April. Eligible candidates should have chart lines in Ontario in 2021 and not participate in current out-of-provincial events or training. The Live Harness Leader said support would be unnecessary in this case.
The second requirement is to award $1,000 in relief funds to both 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds who did not race in 2021. Horses that start in Ontario from September 1 to December 23, 2020 and remain in the state until December 23, 2020 will also be eligible for benefits. For horses to receive funding, they must remain in Ontario for a full month and the first start must be in this state.
Woodbine Entertainment’s Position
Woodbine Entertainment Continues To Seek Renewal Of Live Harness Season Following News Of Its Most Recent Lockdown Rules. The horse racing leader sent an official request letter to Mayor Milton Gordon Krantz to discuss the future of the industry. The company said the sport has been hit hard by the unprecedented situation and that the race should be restarted after the order expires to avoid potential damage to industrial welfare.
Due to the new 28-day stay-at-home guidelines, the game leader closed the Ontario racetrack. Woodbine Mohawk Park ended its training exercises, and the Woodbine Racecourse in Etobycock was also closed. As things stand, it is not known whether the facility will start operating when the order is lifted on May 6.