from the Ontario Racing Commission

Toronto, ON — At its meeting of Jan. 30, the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission approved the 2014 Horse Improvement Program as recommended by the industry stakeholders and program staff.

Developed by the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Advisory Groups, the 2014 programs will offer significant incentives to breed and own horses in Ontario. For the most part, the upcoming season will mirror the 2013 programs, providing consistency along with some improvements.

Glenn Sikura, President of Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, said, “We believe this is a solid program for Ontario horse people right across the province, and one that makes the best use of the resources available to the HIP.”

Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association president Walter Parkinson stated, “We now have in place a solid five-year planning process that will provide stability to both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Improvement Programs.”

The approved Thoroughbred program includes C$4.5 million for restricted overnight racing, C$2.8 million to support the Ontario Bred Purse Bonus, C$4 million to support the Thoroughbred Stakes Program and C$3.4 million for awards for breeders and stallion owners.

In 2014 the Standardbred program projects C$16.6 million in purses for the Ontario Sires Stakes Program and C$2.1 million for Ontario Sired and Ontario Bred Rewards.

Both programs continue to contribute equine research funds for projects that support racing and breeding issues.

For more information on Ontario’s Horse Improvement Program, visit the Program’s pages at www.ontarioracingcommission.ca or contact the Program Administrator at 416.213.0520.