Trot Insider has spoken with Hec Clouthier, executive director of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, in regard to the organization's Annual General Meeting, which

took place Friday, December 18 at the OHRIA office.

Clouthier noted that governance changes have come in light of the AGM, including the size of the board of directors being increased, amongst others.

"We amended our bylaws to increase the board of directors from six to eight; and that unanimity is no longer required by the board of directors; and that a vote by six to two would carry," Clouthier said. "The two new members on the OHRIA board would be representatives of Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Inc. (QROOI) and a Standardbred Horsepeople’s Association (SHA).

"Our bylaws stipulate that, if need be, a voting member shall hold a meeting of its respective directors and elect a director to be the representative for that particular group. Such was the case with the Standardbred Horsepeople’s Association (SHA). Darryl MacArthur, president of Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), and Bill O’Donnell, president of Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA), were both nominated to represent SHA on the board of OHRIA. A vote was conducted between the directors of SHA and Bill O’Donnell emerged as the choice of SHA for the OHRIA board."

The SHA directors voting were Gordon McDonald (National Capital Region Harness Horse Association), MacArthur and O'Donnell.

Clouthier told Trot Insider the composition of the new board of OHRIA, which appears below.

Representing Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society
• R. Glenn Sikura

Representing Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association
• Sue Leslie

Representing Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc.
• Bob Broadstock

Representing Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association
• Jim Bullock

Representing Standardbred Horsepeople’s Association
• Bill O’Donnell

Representing Woodbine Entertainment Group
• Nick Eaves

Representing the For-Profit Racetracks
• Bruce Barbour

Representing the Not-For-Profit Racetracks
• Hugh Mitchell

Sue Leslie serves as the OHRIA president and chair, with Clouthier serving as the executive director.

Related Story
• Leslie New OHRIA Chair