The future of live horse racing in Ontario is unclear at this time. Most of the major events have been postponed, which is bad news for the province’s horse people and sports betting companies. Therefore, more events will be held in Meadowlands, the New Jersey racetrack. This is done to ensure that the three-year-old pacers in the province and their trainers continue to show up for races.

The live harness sector in Ontario has been hit hard by the global health issue. After the government issued its latest stay-at-home order, the province was once again placed under lockdown. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the North America Cup, will now take place in the fall, as announced by Woodbine Entertainment last week.

 

Making Progress Towards a Fix

Meadowlands has worked with the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association to provide a steady supply of pacers for racing. As a result, there will be more opportunities to wager on pacing colts and fillies at the age of three. Races including the Meadowlands Pace, North America Cup, Mistletoe Shalee, and Fan Hanover are planned to take place every Saturday in June.

 

Meadowlands President and CEO Jeff Gural made an official statement about the present situation with horses in Ontario. He was adamant that the suspension of racing had hurt horse owners and trainers in the province. He continued by saying that the North America Cup and other events had been moved around, so it was especially important for three-year-old pacers to be in tip-top shape for the track’s biggest races.

 

But the racetrack and its association will help more than just 3-year-old pacers. Trainer Nancy Takter contacted the racetrack to return two mares, JK First Lady and Peaky Sneaky, both aged four. They were preparing for the Roses Are Red competition, but that was also canceled.

 

Extra Activities Added

Odds for the newly added events at the Meadowlands racetrack can be found at both domestic and overseas sportsbooks, such as Spin Sports. The dates for these events for pacing mares are late May/early June. The announcement of competition dates for veteran pacing and trotting horses and geldings is imminent.

 

Three-year-old trotting colts and fillies will compete in open races on June 11 and 25. In each of these events, horses that have contributed to the track’s stakes will be given an advantage. Trainer Ron Burke has thanked the track and the New Jersey organization for their support. He claimed that a six-week respite would have been given to the equines if not for the racetrack. This will allow them to maintain their fitness levels.