by Wendy Hoogeveen, Director, Industry Development and Support

Toronto, ON — The list of stallions registered with the Ontario Standardbred Improvement Program for the 2014 breeding season is now available and can be found on the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) website at www.ontariosiresstakes.com. Progeny from these stallions will be eligible to compete in Ontario Sired restricted races, receive Ontario Sired Rewards and participate in the OSS Program.

Demonstrating continued confidence in the Program, the owners of 85% of the top breeding stallions in Ontario in 2013 committed to standing their stallions in Ontario in 2014. These stallions represent those with the highest service fees, indicating that Ontario breeders will continue to produce a quality horse supply and an attractive racing product.

“Ontario has always had an enviable sires stakes program.” says Ann Straatman of Seelster Farms and a member of the Standardbred Improvement Program’s Advisory Group. “Fortunately, our OSS program continues to be very competitive in terms of purses, Ontario Sired and Ontario Bred Rewards and racing opportunities.”

Owners of stallions not currently in the program can late register their stallions after the January 15 deadline and the program administration will post updated lists as required.

For more information on Ontario’s Horse Improvement Programs, visit the Program pages at www.ontarioracingcommission.caor contact the Program Administrator at (416) 213-0520.