by John Siscos, for the Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — Effective Thursday, April 1, Standardbred purses on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit will be reduced by an overall average of 15 percent. The measure is necessary due to the decrease in wagering over the past year.

“There has been a general softening of Standardbred wagering in the market, and the fifth day of racing during the winter at Woodbine clearly indicated there was an oversupply of product for customer demand,” said Jamie Martin, WEG’s Sr. Vice-President of Racing.

This will be the first purse adjustment at WEG in two years after two separate increases in 2008. Purses for 2010 Stakes and Series are not impacted by the change.