A new logo for the Ontario Standardbred Horse Improvement Program was unveiled today by the Ontario Racing Commission and will be seen shortly on all programs, including the Ontario Sires Stakes and the

Ontario Resident Mare Program.

The logo’s updated bold design retains the traditional colours that have been associated with the OSS for almost 20 years. The fresh look reflects a rejuvenated program, which, as part of the newly restructured Ontario Standardbred Horse Improvement Program, has emerged stronger than ever in 2010.

“With the new logo design, we hope to embody the strength and prominence of the OSS program, while retaining some of the elements of the old logo that have come to symbolize our program to horsepeople everywhere,” said ORC Director of Industry Development and Support Wendy Hoogeveen. “Compared to the old logo, the new design is also much easier to reproduce on OSS clothing and the many awards and promotional items that the program distributes annually.”

For the past 17 years, the OSS program has led all North American jurisdictions in purse values, while consistently producing outstanding Ontario-sired performers. In 2009, eight of the top 10 overall sires stakes performers on the continent were Ontario-sired.

In 2010, the OSS racing program will offer over $18 million in purses, and will be supported by a lucrative incentive and awards program for breeders of successful Ontario-sired competitors. Building on its solid Ontario Sire foundation, the Ontario Standardbred Improvement Program is committed to promoting, supporting and rewarding our community of breeders, dedicated to the continual improvement of quality.

The Standardbred Improvement Program is a component of the Horse Improvement Program and offers incentives for the breeding and ownership of standardbred racehorses in Ontario. In 2010, approximately $25 million will be available in awards and purses for Standardbred Improvement Program participants. The HIP is administered by the Ontario Racing Commission.

Program criteria and all program forms required for 2010 can be accessed from the Featured Showcase section on the home page of the ORC website (ontarioracingcommission.ca).

(With files from the ORC)