Ontario Racing Newsletter: December 2017

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Ontario Racing Newsletter: December 2017

December 20, 2017
Ontario Racing Newsletter: December 2017

Ontario Racing and the Standardbred Alliance Announce Merger

The Board of Ontario Racing and members of the Standardbred Alliance voted to merge the two existing organizations. The combined entity will be an independent, not-for-profit industry organization that will represent all Ontario racetracks and horse racing industry associations in the Province with one unified voice.

 
Read the full merger announcement
 
 

Gift Ideas for Horse Lovers

‘Tis the season for gift giving! And if you’re in the 76% of adult shoppers who plan to make holiday purchases right up until Christmas, then this list of gift ideas for horse lovers - young and old – is arriving in time to help you out.

 
Interview: Groom Janeen Lalsingh

“They love you unconditionally and they have big hearts. And when they trust you, it’s the ultimate compliment.” Janeen Lalsingh reflects on her appreciation of the bond between groom and horse, and the team effort behind every racehorse.
Story by Chris Lomon; photos by Mr. Will Wong.

Ontario Horse Racing Industry Performance Results
[Fiscal Year 2017-18 Q2]

Ontario Racing is a member of OLG’s "Performance Management Excellence Group", which has the objective of collecting and providing up-to-date data and information to help measure the performance of Ontario's horse racing sector. The Key Performance Indicator results for 2017Q2 (July – September 2017) have just been released.

In summary, the data indicated that in the first six months of Fiscal Year 2017-18 (April 1-September 30, 2017), gross wagering on Ontario races increased by 5.9% relative to the same period the prior year, largely driven by growth in the Thoroughbred handle. There continues to be a horse supply shortage as demonstrated by a reduced number of unique starters (-3.2%) relative to Fiscal Year 2016-17. Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds contributed to the bulk of this unfavourable variance partially offset by a slight increase for Quarter Horses.

For a detailed breakdown of the quarterly data, see the full report on ontarioracing.com - 'Funding and Data Disclosures'.
 

2018 Race Calendar Update

In accordance with the recommendations of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and Ontario Racing, the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has finalized the 2018 race date schedule. The Calendar will be posted on www.ontarioracing.comduring January 2018.

FARM FIRE PREVENTION

As fires continue to plague the U.S. western seaboard, we’re reminded of the irreplaceable value of the people and animals in our lives. The horse racing industry in California is still dealing with the tragic loss of horses and training facilities (December 6 – 8, 2017) in the fires. In Ontario, the darker, colder days of winter are putting the lighting and heating systems in our barns into overdrive. Regular inspections of farm fire safety plans could help prevent tragedy.

As part of Ontario Racing’s Equine Welfare mandate, we have created a printable infographic that shares easy and important steps you can take around the farm to keep your property and livestock safe from fires.

Dates of Note:
  • Standardbred Stallion Registration: Don’t forget! To avoid paying the late fee, January 15th is the deadline to have your Standardbred stallion registered for 2018 breeding season. Registration Forms and Conditions were mailed last week. If you haven’t received one, they are available on the “Forms” section of the  OSS website as well as on the Ontario Racing site.
     
  • O'Brien Awards: The annual O’Brien Awards honour the absolute best in Canadian harness racing. Tickets for the Feb 3, 2018 event are on sale now.
     
  • QROOI Awards Banquet: Tickets for the 2017 QROOI Awards Banquet to be held on Feb 17, 2018 are on sale now. Join in and help to celebrate the 2017 champions.
     
  • Sovereign Awards: The 43rd annual Sovereign Awards are now accepting submissions for the Media Categories for Outstanding Writing, Photograph and Digital Audio/Visual and Broadcast. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2017 EST and all submissions must be sent by email to jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com. 
     
  • Queen's Plate: Queen’s Plate Festival Passes went on sale this past Friday, December 15th. The 159th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Critically acclaimed country music star Brad Paisley will kick off the festival on Friday night.
     
  • Outstanding Groom Nominations: Do you know a groom who has worked in the industry for over five years, someone who treats their horses with kindness and outstanding care, has a strong work ethic, is dependable, a good sportsman and is based in Canada? Consider nominating him / her for the Outstanding Groom Award to be presented at the 2017 O'Briens. Deadline for nominations is Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
 
Ontario Racing connects you to industry leading writers and photographers. Visit our social media links to see and read incredible insider perspectives, along with important industry news.

Recent articles/photos: 
Louis-Philippe Roy: A heartfelt hometown gift (Story by Chris Lomon)
Toronto Argonauts bringing Grey Cup to Woodbine Friday
“For the love of racing” (Photo by John Watkins)
“Snow day!” (Photo by Mr. Will Wong)

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