In a message to the industry on Thursday (Jan. 21), Ontario Racing stated that the organization is continuing to work with government and industry partners during the lockdown and suspension of harness racing in the province.

The release is as follows:

Ontario Racing is continuing to work closely with industry partners, government officials and others, in an effort to provide equine-related support payments (subject to regulatory approvals) to Ontario Standardbred and Thoroughbred horsepeople.

In response to the temporary pause of live racing across the province due to COVID-19, Ontario Racing, together with its board of directors, the Ontario Racing-formed Standardbred Task Force, the Ontario Racing-formed Thoroughbred Task Force, and key industry partners, continues to engage in discussions with the Ontario Government, emphasizing the need and urgency to redirect undistributed purse monies to horsepeople for the care and well-being of their horses.

Once specific details are confirmed, Ontario Racing will communicate them to horsepeople.

“As the voice of the Ontario Racing horse racing industry, we remain dedicated to serving the best interests of the many hard-working people and equine athletes that comprise our Standardbred and Thoroughbred industries,” said John Hayes, Chair, Ontario Racing. “We are in constant dialogue with the Ontario Government, and continue to reiterate the importance of support payments for horsepeople who have been impacted by the stoppage of live racing.”

(Ontario Racing)