Horse racing leader of Ontario, Woodbine Entertainment has announced that there will be some adjustments to its health and safety protocols at its Woodbine Mohawk Park. The company informs that participants of the Standardbred horse racing facility who have not yet provided proof of full vaccination will be required to participate in daily rapid tests.
Previously, the company announced that it will be introducing a requirement for all staff members, horsepeople to present full proof of vaccination upon entering its Ontario properties. If individuals are not fully vaccinated then they have to participate in the Enhanced Screen Program to gain entry to the company’s horse racing facilities.
No More Tests at the Track
Woodbine Entertainment announces that starting from December 13, 2021, all participants who have not presented full vaccination proof will be required to complete daily rapid tests. The tests can be done in their homes and their results can be uploaded online before arriving at the paddock or racing areas. Woodbine Mohawk Park will not conduct rapid testing at the track anymore.
The company also informs that participants that must conduct rapid tests which are required as part of the Enhanced Screening Program will also need rapid testing kits which come in a package of 25. They can be acquired at Milton’s horse racing facility at the moment for free, however, this could be subject to a change.
If an individual places an order for a kit, then they will receive an email with details for logging in and putting in their results. The kits can be obtained on race nights from the track’s new paddock security office, which is next to the entrance where horses are checked in. And in order to pick their kits participants must present their Woodbine ID badges.
In order to help out with the transition, the company will continue to run onsite clinics with paramedics which will be open during the week of December 13, when the new protocols come into effect. At the clinics, participants will also be provided with instructions on how to perform the tests on their own at home.
Winter Series Changes
Previous updates from Woodbine Entertainment saw the company add four more events to its Winter Series program at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The four new races are a pair of claiming series for Ontario sired four-year-olds, plus the Ontario Boys and Ontario Girls events. The already familiar Niagara, Valedictory, Blizzard, Snowshoe, Wine & Roses, and Family Day also remain in the series.
Next Queen’s Plate
Last week, the horse racing leader has also provided an update on its prestigious CA$1 million annual Queen’s Plate event. The next running of the event is scheduled to be the 163rd edition of the race, and it will be in August again, on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Additionally, for next year’s racing season the company also plans to host a 133-day Thoroughbred meet.
Source: “Vaccination policy updated for Mohawk Park”, Harness Link, December 4, 2021
