Ontario Racing (OR) and its Board of Directors are pleased to welcome Hiawatha Horse Park, Kawartha Downs and Leamington Raceway to Ontario Racing.

“We are extremely excited to have Hiawatha, Kawartha and Leamington join Ontario Racing,” said Katherine Curry, the executive director of Ontario Racing Management. “Southwest Ontario and the Peterborough-Haliburton areas have tremendous legacies in Standardbred racing, and we look forward to working with all three tracks in creating and sustaining a vibrant and financially sound racing industry.”

Hiawatha, located in Sarnia, Kawartha, located in Fraserville, and Leamington, join Ajax Downs, Clinton Raceway, Dresden Raceway, Flamboro Downs, Fort Erie Racetrack, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway, Hanover Raceway, Rideau Carleton Raceway, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Woodbine Mohawk Park and Woodbine Racetrack as part of Ontario Racing.

Industry associations Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA), Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA) and Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc. (QROOI) are also members of Ontario Racing.

In 2017, the Board of Ontario Racing and members of the Standardbred Alliance merged and established the not-for-profit OR, which represents all Ontario racetracks and horse racing industry associations in the province with the intention of offering one industry voice.

The combined entity has created a more cost-effective and streamlined approach to industry administration and governance, as well as a more collaborative and effective approach to decision-making and strategic planning on behalf of the participating 15 racetracks and racing industry associations across the province.

Working closely with the racetracks, OR provides an unequalled level of partnership and delivers a solid foundation for Ontario Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse breeders and horsepeople.

Ontario Racing continues to work collaboratively with industry members to implement operational efficiencies, co-ordinate a year-round racing calendar, develop a program of racing that is appealing to foreign and domestic customers, and establish consistent purses.

“A thriving, vibrant horse racing industry is a key pillar in the economic success of Ontario, particularly in rural areas of the province,” said Curry. “The addition of Hiawatha, Kawartha and Leamington to Ontario Racing further strengthens the partnerships with and between Ontario racetracks and other industry associations, along with OR’s ability to advocate for the sector’s interests.”

(Ontario Racing)