UPDATE: The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has announced that two additional years of funding has been secured for horse racing in Ontario.
The Wynne government has extended the financial commitment to the horse racing industry under the budget clause for OLG modernization. The annual $100 million in government support, along with breeder support through the Horse Racing Partnership Plan (HIP) program, will now be in place until 2021.
ORIGINAL POST – February 26 – The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) is pleased to report that the 2016 Ontario budget makes room for horse racing.
The Budgetary Policy presented by Finance Minister Charles Sousa in the Ontario Legislature on February 25th includes a clause for the extension of the Horse Racing Partnership Plan.
“While we have not yet resolved certainty in our future, I have assurances from the Premier that the provincial government will continue to support and fund horse racing for many years to come,” said Sue Leslie, chair of OHRIA.
“The budget presented today by Minister Sousa acknowledges the importance of the horse racing industry to the rural economy and the cultural fabric of Ontario. We look forward to working with the government to assure a robust future for Ontario horse racing,” added Ontario Racing executive director, John Snobelen.
The 2016 Budget clause for OLG Modernization extends the $100 million in government support each year along with breeder support through the HIP program until the year 2021.
For more information on the existing Horse Racing Partnership Plan click here.
For more information on the OLG Modernization clause in the 2016 Budget click here.
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