Ontario Racing Appoints Two Directors-at-Large
Ontario Racing is pleased to announce the appointments of John Hayes, and Dr. Brian Van Arem, to its Board as Directors-at-Large. The Ontario Racing board approved these appointments based on the recommendation of its Executive Committee, which conducted the search and interview process. In total, twenty-one applications were received following the public notice of these vacancies in March 2017, and of those, five candidates were interviewed by the committee.
John Hayes has over twenty-five years experience as a Standardbred race horse owner, and brings significant business management and executive expertise to OR's Board, with former positions in finance and marketing with companies such as General Electric, Black & Decker and Home Depot. John also previously served as Gaming Director with Ontario Lottery and Gaming, with operational responsibilities at Georgian Downs, Ajax Downs, Grand River Raceway, Woodbine and other racetracks across the province.
Dr. Brian Van Arem is an accomplished equine veterinarian with experience as a Thoroughbred trainer and breeder. Dr. Van Arem is the Managing Partner and Owner of the Milton Equine Hospital and CEO and Director of Operations for the Toronto Equine Hospital. Dr.Van Arem is also Owner and General Manager of one of the largest private thoroughbred training facilities in Ontario, and is a consulting veterinarian with a non-profit Thoroughbred retirement foundation.
Race Program Change Approved for Mohawk
Ontario Racing is mandated with providing recommendations to the OLG and the AGCO on matters relating to the annual Ontario racing program. On May 29, 2017, Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), as administrator of the Standardbred Alliance, submitted an application to move 12 race dates in October/November from Mohawk to Woodbine to accommodate necessary capital improvements and construction at Mohawk. Ontario Racing's board approved this variance, which will shift the current scheduled race cards from Mohawk to Woodbine on October 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30 and November 2, 3, 4, 6. It is noted that the schedule will not impact the Ontario Sires Stakes season, which concludes (Super Finals) at Mohawk on October 14, 2017.
Appointment to TIP Advisory Group
OR is pleased to announce the appointment of Lyle Strachan, General Manager at Adena Springs, to the Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP) Advisory Group. OR's Board approved this appointment on June 27th. Adena Springs, part of the Stronach Group, is one of the world’s leading Thoroughbred horse breeding operations in North America with a lengthy list of awards for excellence in breeding.
Lyle served as Executive Vice President, Finance of The Stronach Group, and Chief Financial Officer of the Horse Racing League partnerships, 6 racing syndicates organized to enable small investors to participate in horse ownership.
Ontario Racing Business Plan 2018-2019
Ontario Racing recently completed development of its two-year Business Plan, which describes the activities that OR will undertake over the next two years to significantly advance its strategic mandate and the fulfillment of its strategic objectives. It reflects a deliberate and focused approach to building a long-term foundation for success, with an emphasis on inclusiveness, engagement, credibility, and transparency.
This two-year business plan is focused on laying the foundation for a long-term vision by building confidence, credibility, and capacity. It also begins to deal in a planned way with the fact that the concept of a sector-wide leadership organization for horse racing and the components of our vision represents a very significant change for the sector – one that will impact structures, people, processes, and culture.
Underpinning OR strategic and operational goals is a recognition that OR actions and initiatives need to align with and support the following key outcomes that are measurable over time:
- The growth of Pari-Mutuel wagering;
- Increase the awareness and recognition of the positive impact that horse racing has on Ontario’s rural economy;
- Grow the horse racing fan base.
Upon final approval and publication, Ontario Racing's business plan will be available on the
OntarioRacing.com website.
More Industry Updates