Horse Racing News

Thumbnail for OHRIA Launches Website in Support of Slots-at-Racetracks

OHRIA Launches Website in Support of Slots-at-Racetracks

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association has been overwhelmed by the support it has been receiving from industry members and the general public over the last two weeks in response to its efforts to protect the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program. “Phones in our office are ringing off the hooks. We are receiving hundreds of […]
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Derby Dreams Abound for Woodbine Connections

In February, some 397 three-year-olds were nominated to the 2012 U.S. Triple Crown, (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes) including seven horses trained by Woodbine’s leading trainer Mark Casse.   The 2012 Kentucky Derby, which will be held on May 5 at Churchill Downs, is limited to 20 starters.  Should more than 20 horses […]
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Assiniboia Training Camp Open March 1st

Training for the 55th season of live horse racing at Assiniboia Downs begins Thursday with the opening of the training track and the indoor Equiciser.  That is about two months from the kick-off date of the live race season which is Sunday, May 6, the day after the Kentucky Derby.   “We are essentially the […]
Thumbnail for Ontario Horse Racing Industry Condemns Misleading Ads by Ontario Liberal Party

Ontario Horse Racing Industry Condemns Misleading Ads by Ontario Liberal Party

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association is deeply disappointed with the Ontario Liberal Party’s misleading portrayal of the OLG Slots at Racetrack Program. The OLG Slots at Racetrack Program is not a ‘secret subsidy’ that benefits ‘a few wealthy racetrack owners’ as the Liberals falsely claim. It is actually the largest source of revenue for […]
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CPMA Now Testing for Ethanol

On January 16, 2012, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) announced that official samples will be tested for ethanol, effective February 13, 2012. Ethanol, a central nervous system depressant, is widely available in many forms. The CPMA is advising industry participants to take care and to read the label of ingredients when choosing products that are […]
Thumbnail for Economic Benefits from Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry

Economic Benefits from Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry

In the late 1990’s and throughout the past decade, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (now the OLG) entered into a revenue sharing agreement with racetrack operators and host municipalities in Ontario to allow the placement of slot machines at racetracks. The racetracks provided the OLG with access to their existing facilities, saving the government […]
Thumbnail for Woodbine 2012 Stakes Schedule

Woodbine 2012 Stakes Schedule

The Woodbine stakes schedule, released today by the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), is highlighted by the 153rd running of the Queen’s Plate. The 1 1/4-mile classic, which carries a $1 million purse, is set for Sunday, June 24. The Plate, North America’s oldest continuously-run stakes event and first jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of Racing, […]
Thumbnail for Proposed Budget Cuts Put Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry in Jeopardy

Proposed Budget Cuts Put Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry in Jeopardy

The much-anticipated Drummond report, issued February 15th, ahead of Finance Minister Dwight Duncan’s budget next month, lists 362 measures for helping to reduce the province’s $16-billion deficit. One of Don Drummond’s recommendations is to allow slot machines at facilities outside of casinos and racetracks. This move would impact the horse racing industry significantly in Ontario. […]
Thumbnail for 2012 Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program Updates

2012 Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program Updates

The Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program has published the 2012 Program Criteria Book which provides the specific details for the suite of Quarter Horse Programs worth over $8 million in 2012. The criteria book is now available on-line and has now been mailed to all persons licensed by the Ontario Racing Commission for […]
Thumbnail for Thoroughbreds Set to Test Out Woodbine Training Track

Thoroughbreds Set to Test Out Woodbine Training Track

The Woodbine Training Track will open for business on the morning of Sunday, February 12, weather permitting, a clear indication that the start of the local 2012 Thoroughbred racing season is drawing closer.   The training track hours run from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and the sand ring from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., […]
Thumbnail for ORC Cautions Use of Herbal and Natural Products May Cause Positive Tests

ORC Cautions Use of Herbal and Natural Products May Cause Positive Tests

Due to recent positives for such drugs as ephedrine and caffeine, trainers are again reminded to use extreme caution and consult an Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) licensed veterinarian before administering any new or unknown products to horses – such as so-called herbals or natural products. The Rules of Racing state that any horse with a […]
Thumbnail for Equine Guelph Report on Research: Racing Track Surfaces

Equine Guelph Report on Research: Racing Track Surfaces

A number of factors affect the performance of a racing or training surface according to the well received 34-page “Racing Surfaces White Paper” published in June this year.   This international publication is a survey of current understanding on ways to enhance track safety, and is co-authored by an esteemed panel including: Michael “Mick” Peterson, Ph.D., […]
Thumbnail for Wellie Week 4 with Chris Carroll

Wellie Week 4 with Chris Carroll

Welcome to Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival – Feb. 1st to 5th, 2012 This show circuit gets more exciting and informative every year! There are many changes going on both at the WEF grounds and especially the sister property at the corner of Pierson Rd and Southshore Rd, which was the site of […]