Ontario

Ontario Racing's Thoroughbred Improvement Program Committee has approved an additional $200,000 for its Mare Purchase Program, bringing the total to $700,000 after an enthusiastic response from breeders. "The main focus of this program is to give Ontario horse people the opportunity to buy a better mare, and higher quality stock," said David Anderson, Breeder Representative on the Board of Ontario Racing and member of the TIP Committee. "There are people who still want to buy horses, and this will help them." The program applies to the Keeneland January Sale, as...

Statistics for Ontario's part in the North American breeding industry were among The Jockey Club (TJC)'s annual reports released recently, with Ontario showing positive gains across the board. The number of Ontario-sired live foals reported to TJC through Oct. 4 was up 2.6% from last year, while the number of stallions registered in the province increased by 12.5% and the number of mares reported bred through Oct. 18 was up 13.9%. Ontario was the only jurisdiction with positive gains in all three categories. "Ontario, in terms of growth on the...

With news that the province of Ontario has entered Step One of the 'Roadmap to Reopen' plan earlier than anticipated, officials at the Woodbine Entertainment Group have announced that Thoroughbred racing will return to the track this Saturday, June 12, with first post set for 1:20 p.m. ET. "While it has been a very frustrating period, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for the recent attention it has given the horse racing industry," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "In particular, I would like to thank Premier...

Edited Press Release The Government of Ontario announced a three-step 'Roadmap to Reopen' the economy plan Thursday based on decreased daily COVID-19 case counts, lower hospitalization rates, and the percentage of vaccinated residents. Live horse racing is included in Step One of that plan, which is estimated to begin Monday, June 14. Officials at Woodbine Entertainment have announced that the 2021 Standardbred season at Woodbine Mohawk Park will resume Monday, June 14, and then continue its regular five race days per week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). The 2021...

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) (CTHS), Ontario Racing Management (ORM) and Woodbine Entertainment have reached an agreement which includes the CTHS forming an industry relations sub-committee of its Board of Directors. This new CTHS Industry Relations Sub-Committee (IRSC), will include representation from the CTHS, ORM and Woodbine with a mandate to work together for the betterment of the entire industry. Initial members of IRSC include Peter Berringer (President (Ont) and National Vice President, CTHS), members of the CTHS Board of Directors, Tom Via (Chief Operating Officer, Woodbine Entertainment)...

Woodbine Entertainment issued the following statement Thursday: In response to the Federal Government introducing a Bill that proposes to legalize single event sports wagering in Canada, Woodbine Entertainment would like to congratulate the Government of Canada for considering the potential impacts to the horse racing industry. While the proposed Bill to Amend the Criminal Code would permit single event sports betting on most sports, Woodbine Entertainment is pleased that under the new proposed legislation, fixed odds wagering will not be permitted on horse racing. "On behalf of the entire horse...

As a result of the Government of Ontario's announcement Friday that Toronto will be entering the Province's grey 'Lockdown' phase of coronavirus-related restrictions, Woodbine Entertainment announced that Sunday will be the last day in 2020 of Thoroughbred racing in the Province. "We have been, and continue to be, extremely supportive of the Government's efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout our Province and appreciate the many difficult decisions they have to make," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "We have approached the Government to explain the impacts this decision...

Twenty horses on the Woodbine backstretch have now tested positive for the equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and one has died from the infectious disease, according to a release from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Sunday, it was reported that two horses residing in Barn 12 had tested positive for the neurotopic strain of EHV-1, and the AGCO reported that all 59 horses in that barn have now been tested. "The affected horses are in isolation or have been sent to the Ontario Veterinary College for treatment," the AGCO said....

Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson told the Toronto Sun that he anticipates racing will resume at the Ontario track in approximately six weeks. "With the optimism that we all need to share, we anticipate that we are approximately six weeks away from resuming live racing (under the strict conditions being developed with the AGCO) if the Provincial Declaration of Emergency is lifted and parts of the economy are permitted to gradually re-open following government and health officials' guidelines," Lawson told the Sun. "I will continue to provide updates in the coming...

Woodbine issued the following release Tuesday: With the Government of Ontario extending the Declaration of Provincial Emergency and associated emergency measures due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Woodbine Entertainment announced that it remains committed to stabling horses on its backstretch for the purpose of providing them with the essential care they require. Businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including stabling, have been deemed essential workplaces by the Province "These horses need a home and our land and facilities were created exactly for the purpose of caring...

Woodbine Entertainment has suspended the opening of its Thoroughbred meeting indefinitely following the announcement that the Government of Ontario is mandating all non-essential businesses closed by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Woodbine's backstretch will be limited to only essential care for horses and regular training operations will not be permitted. "Considering we will only be allowing for the essential care of the horses on our backstretch, we will not be in a position to open the season as scheduled Apr. 18," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "As previously communicated, we are...

David Anderson had lost his father barely two months previously, at just 64, to a heart attack. Returning home, trying to light a path through the fog of sudden grief, Anderson had sat down with the farm manager, Ray Carroll. "Ray, what are we going to do here?" Carroll looked at Anderson and said: "Dave, I couldn't imagine working anywhere else in my life." "Perfect. That's all I need to hear. Let's put the pedal down and go for it." It was much the same with Marette Farrell, whose eye...