The cap has been reached for the Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program’s Mare Purchase and Recruitment Programs.
Ontario breeders once again enthusiastically participated in both programs, increasing the number of mares in the province and upgrading their stock.
“It’s a good incentive,” said David Clancy, a long-time owner and breeder, and owner of Toronto-based accounting firm Clancy CPA & Co, of the Mare Purchase Program. “Some of my better mares are getting a bit older now, so I was looking to upscale my mares a bit with some younger stock, so that’s why I decided to [make use of the program] this year.”
Clancy purchased three mares in two sales, with help from the Mare Purchase Program.
He was able to nab Carta de Oro (Medaglia d’Oro-Communique) and Marge Takes Charge (Empire Maker-Sip Sip) in the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, and, in the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, Clancy was able to purchase Daddy Issues (Scat Daddy-Issues).
In regards to the Mare Recruitment Program, owners from across North America also shipped mares to Ontario to foal as part of the Mare Recruitment Program, taking advantage of the beneficial “Ontario Bred” status foaling in the province confers. As a result the $800,000 allocated to the Mare Programs has been exhausted.
“Ontario, I think, is a good place to breed,” said Clancy. “And, ultimately, the horse will run at Woodbine, and Woodbine has pretty good purses overall, I think.”
The Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program would like to thank everyone for their interest in the Mare Purchase and Recruitment Programs, but with the cap reached the programs can no longer accept any additional applications.
For more information please contact the Thoroughbred Improvement Program Coordinator Ashley Douglas at adouglas@ontarioracing.com or visit the Thoroughbred Improvement Program website.
