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 been working with WEG to adopt this policy for some time now.
The HBPA proudly continues to partner with and support LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and its mission to educate the horse racing community and to provide owners and trainers with alternatives for their racehorses when they have reached the end of their racing careers.
In July 2006, the HBPA on behalf of our members, with the approval of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) began directing ¼ of 1% of the total purses paid at Woodbine and Fort Erie Racetracks to LongRun to benefit retired Thoroughbreds. The funding increased to ½ a per cent effective March 1, 2011. This funding has allowed the society to foster and eventually find new adoptive homes for an ever increasing number of our equine athletes.
We believe that all retired racehorses deserve a dignified retirement in a loving home and perhaps a chance at a second career. We continue to encourage all owners and trainers to act responsibly when dealing with the lives of injured or retired racehorses. Please contact Long Run for advice and options.
Whether you decide to retire a racehorse through LongRun or should you decide to sell a racehorse we encourage you to keep a photocopy of relevant documents associated with the transaction. We recommend you keep and provide the new owner with a bill of sale which has been witnessed as a well as the thoroughbred’s Jockey Club Registration Papers duly executed.
Thank you to WEG and the HBPA Board of Directors for showing compassion and leadership on behalf on behalf of our horses.
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