Standardbred Improvement Program

Standardbred Improvement Program (SIP)

Ontario leads the Standardbred industry in Canada with more horses, products and opportunities to race anywhere else in the country. Home to 11 Standardbred racetracks, Ontario offers world-class racing that employs the equivalent of 18,000 full-time jobs, generating over $1.2 billion in economic activity making it the third largest agricultural industry in Ontario.

The Standardbred Improvement Program (SIP) is a component of Ontario’s Horse Improvement Program (HIP). The program offers incentives for the breeding and ownership of Standardbred race horses in Ontario. Incentives are made available in awards and purses through Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) races, purse bonuses and benefits for breeders and mare owners.

Components of the Standardardbred Improvement Program Include

Eligibility

All participants wishing to enroll mares or stallions in the Standardbred Improvement Program must hold a current Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licence. Contact the AGCO at 416-326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876, by email at customer.service@agco.ca or online at www.agco.on.ca.

Detailed information and the rules surrounding the various program components are provided in the Standardbred Horse Improvement Program Criteria Book which is published annually. It is the responsibility of all participants to make themselves aware of the eligibility requirements and the various opportunities under the Program.

2020 Criteria Book
 

2026 Relocation support program


Following the cessation of live Standardbred racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway, Ontario Racing, in collaboration with its two Standardbred Industry Association Members, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA), developed a relocation support program to assist those from the National Capital Region’s racing community who have remained actively racing at Ontario racetracks.

The program was shared publicly on June 8, 2026, through various industry media channels, including Standardbred Canada, outlining the eligibility criteria and application process.

A total of 121 Standardbred horses met the qualifications and received relocation funds through the program.

Relocation Support Program

List of Program Recipients (August)
 

2021 Final Report Purse Reallocation Program (Standardbred)

ORM worked with the Task Force to qualify horses that met the approved criteria and submitted them for review by OLG. Once approved, payment was issued to those who met the qualifications. In total, 2,773 SB horses have been paid out under the application program
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