TORONTO, ON – January 14, 2021 – In response to the Ontario government’s provincial lockdown measures due to COVID-19, Ontario Racing, its board of directors, and the Ontario Racing-formed Standardbred Task Force, are addressing the possibility of horseperson support payments (subject to regulatory approvals).
The payments currently being discussed are specifically related to horses who had a charted line in November and December but were subsequently impacted by the shutdown that was originally announced by the provincial government on December 26, 2020. Ontario Racing, its board members, and the Standardbred Task Force are also evaluating additional financial support for the month of January.
“Throughout the lockdown, Ontario Racing has worked diligently to ensure the best interests of the many Standardbred horsepeople whose livelihood has been impacted by the provincial lockdown,” said John Hayes, Chair, Ontario Racing. “We are carefully considering all options available to us, including the possibility of financial support. We remain committed to our mandate of acting as the voice of the Ontario Racing horse racing industry, and will provide further updates as more information is made available.”
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