from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Toronto, ON — Ontario is delivering on its commitment to implement the Horse Racing Partnership Plan, which comes into effect April 1.

The province’s enhanced five-year plan will provide up to C$500 million to support its world-class horse racing industry and includes:

• Increasing purses and race dates across the province
• Enhancing support for the province’s racehorse breeders
• Integrating horse racing into the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s Modernization Plan
• Encouraging the creation of an alliance of innovative, leading Standardbred tracks
• Increasing operational support for regional tracks

The plan is providing the horse racing industry with the tools to develop new sources of revenue and to build business relationships that will support a sustainable industry in Ontario.

Strengthening and supporting the province’s horse racing industry is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.

Quick Facts

• Ontario is one of the few places in Canada that offers Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and quarter horse racing. There are 16 racetracks operating in the province for the 2014 racing season.
• Woodbine offers both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, Fort Erie offers Thoroughbred racing, and Ajax offers quarter horse racing. The remaining 13 tracks offer Standardbred racing.
• Horse racing is a year-round sport in Ontario, with both live racing and simulcast racing brought in from other jurisdictions.

Quotes

“This plan is the result of a true partnership. Everyone involved — government, industry, owners, breeders and track operators — have worked to put in place a shared vision. I’m confident this plan will not only create a sustainable racing industry in Ontario, but will create jobs and provide more opportunities for success. Ontario is now the most innovative jurisdiction in North America for horse racing.” — Kathleen Wynne, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food

“OHRIA is relieved that funding is in place to begin stabilizing the industry. I’d like to thank Premier Wynne for her direct involvement in making this happen. The thousands of jobs associated with the horse racing industry continue to be an important part of the social fabric of Ontario.” — Sue Leslie, President, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association

“Rideau Carleton Raceway is delighted that the Premier has fulfilled the promise to sustain racing across the province. The commitment to regional racetracks will ensure the continuance of the industry and competitive racing in Ottawa.” — Alex Lawryk, Spokesperson, Rideau Carleton

“As a breeder I am extremely excited about the future of racing in Ontario and thankful for the enhanced support that will allow us to build upon the rich history of Ontario-bred horses.” — Scott Minshall, Minshall Farms, Hillsburgh, Ontario