Welcome!
As part of our commitment to open, regular and candid communication with Ontario's horseracing industry, Executive Director Rob Cook will publish "Rob's Blog" on our website and distributed through our mailing list. Find the first edition of his blog below, on what he's learned over his first two weeks at OR.
You can look forward to future editions of "Rob's Blog" over the coming weeks that discuss our plan for board of directors’ governance, and overall operational priorities.
Rob's Blog - e1
With two weeks under my belt at Ontario Racing, I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far.
First, as I continue to meet professionals in this industry, my key takeaway has been that this is a group of passionate and hardworking individuals, dedicated to horseracing and to the future of the sport in Ontario.
I share your commitment and your concerns, but am optimistic that there is a path forward. As I work with our partners in government, at the AGCO and at OLG, and at tracks and within horsepersons associations, to build that future – I have also learned how the current circumstances came to be. Knowing where we have been is integral to shaping where we will go.
Twenty years ago, the government of the day designed the pari-mutuel tax reduction program (PMTR) that returned 6.5% of pari-mutuel tax to the industry under a memorandum of understanding. You know where the story goes next: five years ago, the government cancelled another program that provided support to the industry – the Slots At Racetracks Program (SARP), and the subsequent reinvestment of public funding through the Horse Racing Partnership Program (HRPP).
These changes have brought with them a need for horseracing to assume a senior role both in directing and administering a multi-faceted racing program and in designing a long term funding arrangement with government.
As is often the case, change was a long time coming but very quick in implementation. Last fall the government began preparing to dissolve the Ontario Racing Commission and transition administration to OLG and regulation to AGCO.
Why Ontario Racing? We are not the ORC, and we are not OHRIA. Our goal is to have Ontario Racing fully in place as the recognized industry association on January 1, 2017. Until that time, Ontario Racing has and will continue to benefit from OHRIA’s expertise. Governance and industry representation is critical for Ontario Racing - now, and in the future.
Until this point, OR has been more engaged with partners like OLG, AGCO and government, than we have with the industry.
That will change. The primary purpose of Ontario Racing is to provide the industry a voice for leadership in shaping their future. As we move forward, build capacity and establish governance structures, we will have the skills and tools we need to effectively listen to industry participants and provide that leadership.
Our task is to transition from viewing horseracing participants as stakeholders, as within the ORC model, to serving them as shareholders.
Ontario Racing is a step forward in the horseracing industry’s ability to direct its future. While there have been growing pains, the effort will be worthwhile. Getting Ontario Racing off the ground has required partnership with the government and, more importantly, the patience and trust of everyone in horseracing.
I thank you for your patience, and I restate my commitment to continuing to communicate with you as this process unfolds.
Best,
Rob Cook
What else is new?
Director of Policy, Research & Analysis
We are happy to share that we've added Mike Chopowick as our new Director of Policy, Research & Analysis. Mike has a wealth of experience in policy development, advocacy strategy and delivery, public relations campaigns and research at several private sector associations and with the provincial government.
Industry Day at Grand River Raceway
The Ontario Racing team was out in full force at Grand River Raceway. Congratulations to the staff at GRRR on a full grandstand and a fun day, filled with families and great Ontario horseracing.
OSS Engagement
Ontario Racing has been at tracks across the province to celebrate Ontario Sires Stakes races and engage with fans of Ontario horseracing. Last week, we were in Ottawa at the Rideau Carleton Raceway and at Hanover Raceway.
AGCO Consultations
As part of the AGCO's efforts to modernize horseracing regulation, there have been visits to several tracks to engage directly with horsepeople about their modernization discussion paper.
Tuesday, August 9: Fort Erie
Thursday, August 11: Mohawk
Friday, August 12: Woodbine
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