The horse racing industry has endured an uneasy spell due to the constantly changing conditions and rules surrounding the unprecedented situation. Finally, fans of the thrilling live harness racing and people involved in it have been rewarded for their patience. Ontario’s province has announced in February that races are officially allowed to recommence.
Last month Woodbine Entertainment informed horsepeople and fans of the sport that its Woodbine Mohawk Park in Ontario will be reopening ergo the racing season might finally continue. After initial announcements of the restart of training and later races, the horse racing leader announced its schedule for the year, with the multi-million Mohawk Million being eyed as one of the most anticipated and exciting events.
All Slots are Taken
The Mohawk Million has certainly attracted a huge wave of interest, earlier the company released to the public that all slots for the event have been purchased. And on March 4, 2021, the company revealed more info for the competition, by revealing the names of the slot owners of the event. This will be the second installment of the race, and it will be for two-year-old trotters at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
There was a total of nine slots that were available for purchase by participants in the event, and each one of them cost CA$100,000. The deadline for slot purchasing was set for February 15, 2021, and despite the financial difficulties, all slots were taken. The final 10th slot will be determined by the winner of the William Wellwood Memorial which will take place on September 11, 2021.
Official owners of the slots for the multi-million event card are Brad Grant, Crawford Farms, Determination, EquineX, Gino Toscani, and Steve Heimbecker. It must be also noted that Determination, EquineX, and Gino Toscani are in possession of two slots for the time being. Owners can also sell, trade, or even lease the slot for the event.
Additional information regarding the event is that owners are not required to declare the two-year-old trotter’s name before the deadline date. Meaning that there is still time to choose their favorites. The Mohawk Million will be held on the same day as the CA$850,000 Metro Pace for two-year-old pacers on September 25, 2021. Fans will be able to enjoy the two most exciting races to compete on the same day.
All slots filled
In February Woodbine Entertainment announced that all slots for the Mohawk Million were purchased right after the deadline of February 15. Additionally, the CEO of the horse racing regulator Jim Lawson used the opportunity to express special gratitude towards all owners who have purchased a slot for the exciting event in such trying times. He stated they have massively helped the currently-unfortunate condition of the industry and he is looking forward to the new season.
Stakes Announcements
At the beginning of last month, the live harness leader has released its stakes nominations for the upcoming 2021 Standardbred season. There will be plenty of rewards up for grabs for both horsepeoplle and fans who enjoy gambling on the sport. Undoubtedly, the Pepsi North America Cup and the Mohawk Million have grabbed the spectator’s interest, but there will be even more events at Ontario’s racetracks.
Source: “Mohawk Million Slot Owners Revealed”, Standardbred Canada, March 4, 2021
