by Kathy Wade-Vlaar, manager of industry marketing, Standardbred Canada

Mississauga, ON — Standardbred Canada has announced the development of a comprehensive plan to revitalize Ontario’s harness racing industry. And we need your help!

The formation of the Ontario Racing Development and Sustainability Plan has been in the works for well over a year and is the result of two Wagering Conferences, months of consultation with industry stakeholders, and numerous committee meetings emanating in part from SC’s Wagering Action Plan.

The concept is to establish, fund and execute an aggressive plan aimed at making Ontario harness racing self-sufficient through a concerted investment in development, technology, marketing and advocacy. The plan, which calls for a five percent levy taken from the Ontario purse pool, is outlined below.

Standardbred Canada will be hosting meetings of horse people and stakeholders across the province during the month of August to fully explain the Racing Development and Sustainability Plan and to answer any questions on its funding and implementation.

Jody Jamieson is one of the champions driving the plan.

“Every person in this industry has tremendous passion for what they do,” said Jamieson. “Each of them hopes for the long-term success of harness racing in this province. It’s time for all of us to step up and make a real investment in the future of our sport.

“I am asking every horseperson in Ontario to take responsibility and show their support for reinvesting in their future by signing the Racing Sustainability and Reinvestment Plan petition. The future of the industry we work in, love and are passionate about starts today, with a signature of support.”

“The timing has never been better for this project to get off the ground,” stated John Gallinger, president of Standardbred Canada. “Many in this industry are looking at the tenuous nature of harness racing in what were some of our previously strongest jurisdictions. The industry is in need of a comprehensive framework that focuses on real development and growth. This plan deals with the sport’s most critical issues, and the areas with the most potential for true long-term renewal — wagering, development and marketing.”

Racing Development and Sustainability Plan

The Concept

The RDSP will be an investment by Ontario’s horse owners and horse people through a five percent levy taken directly from the Ontario Standardbred purse pool.

Funds will be managed and administered by an Ontario division of Standardbred Canada. Budgets will be reported separately, be fully transparent, audited and available and published annually.

Current Ontario purse pool: Approximately $180 million

Projects

Wagering Development to include:

• Ontario Racing Products – (i.e. Canada One)
• Lottery Wager
• Expanded distribution
• Betting Exchange Platform
• New Wagering Products
• Handicapping programs, leagues, championships, etc.

Consumer Marketing & Development Projects:

• New Racing Products
• Ontario Racing Festival
• Fan Experience & Education
• Fair Racing Revitalization
• Publicity & Public Relations
• Provincial Branding

Management

An “Ontario division” of Standardbred Canada will manage the Plan. The Ontario division would be comprised of a steering committee of the following:

• 3-4 Active Directors
• 1 Racetrack Director
• 1 Breeder Director
• 1 Standardbred Canada Management
• 1 Ontario Racing Commission representative

Time Lines

• August & September – Have individuals sign an online or in-person petition with their support of the model.
• October 2010 – Submit signatures and business plan to the Ontario Racing Commission
• October 2010 to December 2010 – ORC review and approval
• January 2011 – Funding to begin flowing

A complete schedule of meetings taking place at racetracks across the province will be released in the coming weeks.

Click here to view or sign the on-line petition to support this plan.