by Lisa Hocking, coordinator, programs marketing and communications, Ontario Racing Commission

Toronto, ON — The Standardbred Improvement Program is pleased to announce that payment of Ontario Bred Rewards will commence this racing season on the performance of eligible horses.

As the program rolls out, these rewards, equal to 15 percent of purses earned, will be available for 2-year-old purse-winning Ontario Bred horses racing in the Ontario Sires Stakes program, as well as selected open stakes.

Ontario Bred Rewards will be paid on the following 2-year-old open stakes in 2011:

• Breeders Crown (2-year-old finals)
• Champlain
• Eternal Camnation
• Metro (final)
• Nassagaweya
• Peaceful Way (final)
• She’s A Great Lady (final)
• William Wellwood (final)

In 2012 an announcement on the selected 3-year-old stakes will also be included. The selected stakes are made on an annual basis based on the level of purse and added money. Announcements will be made annually to accommodate for the creation of stakes that fit the criteria.

To qualify as an Ontario Bred, a horse must be foaled in Ontario out of a mare that is enrolled in and has met the requirements of the Ontario Resident Mare Program. This program was introduced in 2009; therefore the first crop of Ontario Bred foals will race as 2-year-olds in 2011. Ontario Bred Rewards are payable to and intended to directly reward the breeder or mare owner who made the decision to participate by enrolling the mare in the Ontario Resident Mare Program.

Standardbred Improvement Program criteria, program information and all forms required for 2011 may be accessed from the Featured Showcase section on the home page of the Ontario Racing Commission’s website at www.ontarioracingcommission.ca.