Ontario Racing, in response to the latest impacts of COVID-19 on the provincial horse racing industry, is actively working with industry partners, government officials and others, in an effort to secure funds for equine-related support payments (subject to regulatory approvals) for Ontario Standardbred and Thoroughbred horsepeople.

In response to the recent temporary pause of live racing across the province due to COVID-19, Ontario Racing, and the Ontario Racing-formed Standardbred and Thoroughbred Task Forces are actively engaging in discussions with key industry partners on how to leverage unallocated purse monies in the form of equine benefit payments that would be directed to Standardbred and Thoroughbred horsepeople for the care and well-being of their horses.

Ontario Racing will provide an update with specific details early next week.

“In keeping with its commitment to serve the best interests of horsepeople in the province and ensuring the care and well-being of our equine athletes, Ontario Racing is working in concert with industry partners and others to address the need for equine benefit payments for (Standardbred and Thoroughbred) horsepeople affected by the stoppage of live racing, which was prompted by the province-wide lockdown on April 3,” said John Hayes, independent chair of Ontario Racing.

(Ontario Racing)