The Woodbine racing department issued its stall allocations to horsepeople this week and there was one significant difference from past years; there will not be any permanent stabling in the six sales barns. The sales barns, numbers 17 to 22, are at the back of the Woodbine backstretch (furthest south point of property) and are situated between it and the CTHS Ontario sales pavilion which was built in 1963.
The sales barns have been used for the yearling and mixed sales held by the CTHS (Ont. division) or Woodbine or for whatever group has held the sales. There is stabling for about 300 horses. When there is not a sale, the barns have been used for permanent stabling for owners and trainers with smaller stables.
Citing “costly upgrades” to the sprinkler systems in the six sales barns, Woodbine will not offer stabling in four of the barns going forward. It has, however, upgraded the sprinkler system in two barns and will have those barns available for “any overflow or ship-in horses.”
In addition, the CTHS Ontario has not had its lease renewed for the sales pavilion and will hold just one more sale there, the 2020 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale in August, and is currently seeking a new site for offices and the sale.
The horse population in Ontario has reached a new low in the last couple of years. Many horsepeople who had previously been stabled in the sales barns have been incorporated into the main backstretch at the track.
Below are notices from the Woodbine backstretch management and the CTHS’ February Notice regarding the sales pavilion lease.
Six sales barns located on the south side of the Woodbine property, built in 1963 by the CTHS, will no longer be used for permanent stabling during the racing season
CTHS History:
The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (C.T.H.S.) was incorporated in 1906 under the Federal Live Stock Pedigree Act (presently called the Animal Pedigree Act – 1988) as a national breed organization to assist breeders of Thoroughbred horses in Canada. The National Office determines the requirements for Canadian-bred status of foals, maintains the Breeder Membership Roster for Canada, compiles statistics and represents Canadian Thoroughbred breeders nationally and internationally.
In 1976, provincial divisions were established in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. The divisions assist breeders with provincial bonus and incentive programs, operate auctions, and provide other services to member. Most of the provincial divisions have web sites, feel free to visit them.
CTHS Ontario February Notice:
The landscape for thoroughbred breeders and the CTHS is changing drastically and it is time for us to regroup.
As most of you are aware, Woodbine Entertainment Group will not be renewing our historical lease for the Sales Pavilion which terminates March 31, 2020. The CTHS built these barns and pavilion in 1963 and sold it to Woodbine in 1983 for increased race horse capacity for the 11 months not used for sales. Woodbine has extended us, on a month-to-month basis, an additional 6 months which means we will be able to host the 2020 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale at Woodbine. The CTHS will be working diligently in the next several months to secure a new office location and potential sales sites.
CTHS became aware of changes to our Sales Stakes when Woodbine released their Stakes Schedule on December 19, 2019. We must advise those that have purchased from our sale and our members selling that there are no longer 6 Sales Stakes. The Halton and Kenora Stakes have been eliminated, the Algoma & Elgin have been changed from 3-year-olds & Up 1 mile & 1/16th races both to straight 3-year-olds 7 furlongs and purses have increased to $250,000 for the 2-year-olds & $135,000 for the 3-year-olds.
In addition to the Sales Stakes changes, we must advise breeders that there has also been a significant decrease in the number of Ontario Sires Stakes in the 2020 Woodbine Stakes Schedule. Seven (7) Ontario Sires Stakes have been eliminated, leaving only 11 (6 of which are scheduled in the last week of racing in December) as compared to 23 before SARP. Of the 7 Ontario Sires Stakes eliminated, 3 have been changed to Ontario-Bred Races.
Ontario Racing has also decided not to renew its contract with the CTHS to administer the $2 million EHIP Fund. All members must be aware that ALL rules, forms, incentive programs/payments, etc. are being administered by Ontario Racing Management.
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