The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) has announced its intention to offer benefits coverage to all Standardbred horsepeople in Ontario, beginning April 1, 2019.

Any horseperson with a valid Standardbred Canada license, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) license and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card can access benefits as a member of COSA.

“COSA invites any horseperson who races at any Ontario racetrack to become a member of our organization and participate in this substantive benefits program,” said Bill O’Donnell, President, COSA.

COSA will receive a percentage of purses paid by Ontario Racing member tracks to fund its benefit program, which includes Liability Insurance, Members Liability Insurance, Fire and Transportation Insurance and Supplemental Disability Insurance.

“Ontario Racing continues to work toward its vision of a customer-focused, unified Ontario horse racing industry,” said Katherine Curry, Executive Director, Ontario Racing Management. “Working with a trusted partner like COSA to ensure a continuation of a benefits program available to the province’s horsepeople will bring a stability sought by all across the racing community.”

Ontario Racing represents over 95% of the horse racing industry, across all levels of racing and breeding of racehorses in Ontario, including representation by racetracks and horsepeople’s associations.

(Ontario Racing)

Standardbred Canada will provide further details regarding developments as they progress.