The fire at Classy Lane Stables that killed 43 horses Jan 4. has had a deep and dramatic impact on Ontario's horse racing community and the Jan. 7 card of racing at Woodbine will be dedicated to the equine lives lost, the Toronto-area track announced Jan. 6.
The tribute will begin at 6:50 p.m. ET, with a video presentation of the fallen horses. Immediately following, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Woodbine will observe a minute of silence in remembrance.
Flags at Woodbine will be flown at half-staff Thursday night through the conclusion of the Jan. 9 program of racing.
Former Woodbine Entertainment Group announcer Frank Salive will be the guest race caller for the evening.
"As a horseperson, I can imagine how difficult a time it is for those that lost horses, who are like members of the family. It is heartbreaking," said Jim Lawson, chief executive officer of Woodbine Entertainment Group. "Our deepest sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy."
Racing fans are invited to watch the video tribute at 6:50 p.m., which will be broadcast through the facility, on HPItv, online at WoodbineEntertainment.com, and across North America on Woodbine's simulcast feed.
A GoFundMe page weg.bz/supportclassylane, created by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association, has been set up to support those impacted by fire.
Woodbine Race Course
Michael Burns