Photograph: Kaz Ida/Eclipse Sportswire
Citing “business and financial headwinds,” Woodbine Leisure has restructured its workforce and laid off an undisclosed variety of workers.
Woodbine operates in Ontario, with its flagship facility within the Toronto space internet hosting thoroughbred racing till Dec. 14, and its Woodbine Mohawk Standardbred facility in Milton, about 20 miles southwest.
“We now have made some tough however obligatory organizational modifications,” Jamie Dykstra, Woodbine’s vice chairman of communications, stated in an e mail Wednesday. “These changes are a part of a broader restructuring to make sure we ship on our five-year strategic plan and place us effectively to proceed to strengthen our enterprise over the long run.”
Woodbine has held 111 Thoroughbred races this yr by means of Wednesday, the identical quantity as by this date in 2024. Nevertheless, the variety of races is down 2%. Complete handles decreased by 5.2% and wallets elevated by 1.5%. These numbers are approximate as change charges change.
Woodbine’s share of the general Thoroughbred market really elevated barely to 0.34% regardless of the decline in handles. Complete quantity in North America this yr decreased by 10.4%.
“We stay steadfast in our dedication to Ontario’s horse racing business and to working world-class horse racing at Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park,” stated Dykstra.
