The $800,000 allocated to the Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program's Mare Purchase and Recruitment Programs has been exhausted for the year. The program provides Ontario residents with 50% of the purchase price–up to a maximum of C$25,000–per in-foal mares purchased either online or in person at a recognized public auction outside of Ontario, with progeny of 2024 to foal in the province.
“It's a good incentive,” David Clancy, a long-time owner and breeder, and owner of Toronto-based accounting firm Clancy CPA & Co, said 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 Kentucky sales, with help from the Mare Purchase Program.
He acquired Carta de Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) for $170,000 and Marge Takes Charge (Empire Maker) for $92,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, and Daddy Issues (Scat Daddy) for $48,000 at last week's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale.
Owners from across North America shipped mares to Ontario to foal as part of the Mare Recruitment Program, taking advantage of the “Ontario Bred” status foaling in the province confers.
“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.”
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