Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association

Alberta Racing Associations Raise Money for Cancer

Between the Smithbilt/Cam Clark Ford Gala and the inaugural C Cup Classic charity race, an impressive total of $15,929 was raised over the Horses, Hats and Hope charity weekend. All funds are going directly to support breast cancer research through the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA). The Horses, Hats and Hope gala, hosted […]

Ontario Sired Program Amendments

The Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) have announced changes to the condition book affecting Ontario Sired horses for the remainder of the year. WEG will continue to write races for OS maiden three-year-old races until August 1st, and at that time those races will be replaced with a […]

2015 Woodbine Thoroughbred Dates

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) today jointly announced Woodbine’s 2015 Thoroughbred racing calendar. Opening day for Woodbine’s 60th season, which will offer 133 dates pending Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approval, is set for Saturday, April 11, with closing day scheduled for Sunday, December 6. The 156th running of […]

HBPA of Ontario to Recommend Ban on Race Day Medications Except Lasix

The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) of Ontario is taking an industry lead by recommending and supporting a ban on the use of race day medication in Ontario. The HBPA Board of Directors made the final decision after it being raised at an ORC (Ontario Racing Commission) industry consultation meeting and further after reading […]

2014 Woodbine Racing Program Exciting for Ontario Breeders

The  Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario wishes to clarify the memo issued on February 27th (see below) with the following statement: Further to the memo issued to Woodbine Thoroughbred Horsemen on February 27th, regarding the revisions to the Ontario Sire Racing Program for 2014, we would like to provide clarification. 1. The 40% […]

Live Thoroughbred Racing at Fort Erie Race Track in 2014

The Board of Directors of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, (HBPA), is pleased to advise there will be live thoroughbred racing at Fort Erie Race Track in 2014. Meetings to organize, schedule and promote the race meet at the historic border oval are taking place. Horse people can assist by spreading this […]

Woodbine’s 2014 Thoroughbred Racing Calendar

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) has jointly announced Woodbine’s 2014 Thoroughbred racing calendar. Opening day for Woodbine’s 59th season, which will offer 133 dates pending Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approval, is set for Saturday, April 12, with closing day scheduled for Sunday, December 7. The Woodbine backstretch will […]

Fort Erie Will Host Live Thoroughbred Racing in 2013

The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has announced that there will, in fact, be live Thoroughbred racing at Fort Erie Racetrack this year. Details will follow in the next couple of days. In a statement, HPBA Ontario president, Sue Leslie, noted: “As our future is largely dependent on customers wagering on our product, it remains […]

HBPA Supports WEG’s Horse Welfare Policy

The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) of Ontario endorses and supports the Horse Welfare Policy adopted by Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG). We believe this was a necessary step to protect racehorses from unnecessary suffering while sending a positive message to the media, public, our customers and the government. As is well-known, the HBPA has […]

Woodbine Entertainment Group Negotiations Ongoing

Deloitte Touche LLP is still in the process of conducting their audit of Woodbine Entertainment Group’s finances. In the interim, the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) continue to negotiate a lease agreement for floor space for the slots at Woodbine Racetrack. As a result of the status of the […]

Status Update: Horse Racing in Ontario

Since the Ontario government’s announcement regarding the termination of the Slots At Racetracks (SAR) Program I have been in personal contact with many of our members and would like to thank those of whom I have spoken with for expressing your views and for your support during these challenging times. For the past three months […]

Woodbine’s Live Thoroughbred Card Cancelled for Thursday

Due to the extreme heat conditions in the greater Toronto area, Thursday afternoon’s live Thoroughbred racing card at Woodbine has been cancelled.   Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) management made the decision to cancel this morning after consulting with the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the Ontario Racing Commission veterinarians.   Toronto is expected […]