from the Ontario Racing Commission

Toronto, ON — At its meeting on September 9, the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission approved in principle a framework for race date allocation, which confirms a commitment to the sport of live horse racing in Ontario.

“Working together with industry leaders and experts, the framework reinforces the importance of equitable standards of accountability for racetracks, horsepeople and breeders,” said Rod Seiling, Chair of the ORC. “It gets us back on track, being customerfocused, and aligning horse supply with customer demand. Our first order of business will be to apply the framework to the Standardbred industry.”

The framework includes key features to support and sustain live racing in Ontario into the future, including:

• Classification of racing based on a classification system of racetracks and horse supply;
• Standardization of race conditions and purse management; and
• Greater accountability and economic oversight in the industry

The ORC will actively engage the industry to further refine the framework through the 2011 race date application and allocation period. Long-term implementation of the framework will continue to be an evolving process based on industry engagement and collaboration. Submissions from racetrack operators and industry consultation will take place from September through November.

“To all stakeholders involved, this commitment to live horse racing means they can see themselves reinvesting, building, and growing a racing industry for the future,” said Seiling.

In October 2009 the ORC declared a moratorium on the reduction of race days, initiated this review, and sent out a call for new ideas and concepts. With considerable collaboration and input from the racing industry, this improved framework was created.