The Ontario horse racing industry received word today that three more tracks – Fort Erie Racetrack, Flamboro Downs and Georgian Downs – had reached deals to host live Thoroughbred racing in 2013, but with the slots at racetracks program set to expire in less than a week, the sustainability question remains. The Ontario Horse Racing […]

With the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel’s March 31st deadline for negotiations with racetracks fast approaching, there is still word on the fate of Fort Erie Racetrack. The Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association of Ontario is involved in the ongoing discussions with OMAFRA’s Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel and various Ministries to maintain Fort Erie Racetrack […]

The Federal Budget released on March 21, 2013 contains two changes to section 31 of the Income Tax Act. The Jockey Club of Canada Tax Committee Chair, John Unger, has released the following statement regarding Section 31 of the Income Tax Act pertaining to the horse racing industry in Canada. First, the wording of section […]

The slow-motion train wreck known as OLG “modernization” continues to pick up steam and claim victims. One year ago, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced plans for a radical expansion of gambling operations in the province, in partnership with private interests. No longer would the OLG consider local economic development when locating their […]

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association is pleased to announce that the Progressive Conservatives and the New Democratic Party are again working together in the Legislature to support Ontario’s horse racing and breeding industry. OHRIA has been working closely with both parties on MPP Natyshak’s motion that calls for the extension of the Slots at […]

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced the first segment of Woodbine’s 2013 Thoroughbred stakes schedule. Thirty-seven added-money events, with purses ranging from $125,000 to $1 million, are planned through July 7. The 154th edition of the Queen’s Plate, first jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of Racing, will carry a guaranteed purse of $1 million. The […]

Developmental issues in a foal can affect their racing career. Some issues will be fixed in time, but others might require surgical intervention.

Equine Canada’s Health and Welfare Committee is notifying horse owners that Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 (nEHV-1) has been reported in a horse at the HITS show grounds in Ocala, Florida. It has been confirmed that it is the neurological strain of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (nEHV-1). Outbreaks of nEHV-1 are contagious and have a high […]

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 […]

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has released a statement to the Ontario racing community in order to make their position on horse slaughter clear.