Rod Seiling, Chair of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announced today that planning and implementation of the 2013 Horse Improvement Program (HIP) is moving forward.
Funding of up to $30 million will be used to develop the Standardbred and Thoroughbred components of HIP, through work that will take place in the near future consulting with stakeholders and the Advisory Groups.
“The Ontario government and industry continue to work toward ensuring a future for horse racing in the province of Ontario,” said Chair Seiling. “This funding envelope is in keeping with the position of the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel -- that HIP plays an important role in a sustainable horse racing industry.”
“The Horse Improvement Program is another milestone on the road to a renewed, sustainable future for horse racing in Ontario,” said Ted McMeekin, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This program will provide important support for that transition.”
The 2013 HIP will be developed based on the program’s existing mandate and structure, both of which have served Ontario well for many decades. The program will be reviewed for changes necessary to reflect the new industry in the post Slots-At-Racetracks Program environment.
While consultation with the Advisory Groups did begin in mid-December to address the urgency of 2013 breeding decisions, efforts will now be accelerated.
Wendy Hoogeveen, HIP Program Administrator, observed that the Ontario horse racing sector will be faced with many challenges over the next number of years.
“But I firmly believe the future is bright for the Ontario-bred horse in this province. The Horse Improvement Program is well positioned to serve the interests of the stakeholders. And it will do so while providing government with clearly demonstrated benefits for its investment in the industry and for the economy of Ontario.”
(ORC)
I believe the Horse
I believe the Horse Improvement Program needs revamping. They are not the group that should be serving the interests of horsemen. The reality of our situation is totally opposite to what is stated.
Ontario harness racing is
Ontario harness racing is saved. Time to party!!!
Thanks for throwing the harness racing industry a bone.
The Liberal-OLG government stole the SARP program from the horse racing industry.
We allowed them to place their slot machines at our race track sites in return for a partnership. That was how they were going to weasel their product into communities that did not want casinos downtown. Place them at the horse tracks that are on the outskirts of most towns.
Now that they converted horse players into slot addicts, stage 2 of the plan is to cut ties with the horse racing industry and use government strong arm tactics to force their slots into the downtown core.
Plan complete.
The only plan now should be for all horsemen to protest in person at Wynne's doorstep once parliament is re-opened. Mainstream media coverage is required.
Demand a provincial election now!
"But I firmly believe the
"But I firmly believe the future is bright for the Ontario-bred horse in this province.
That's quite the statement considering what the Liberals (& OLG) have done to Ontario's Horse Racing Industry over the past year - what a joke !