Standardbreds, thoroughbreds and quarter horses will be represented together this weekend in a racing industry booth at the Arkell Equine Expo near Guelph, Ont.

Representatives from the Standardbred Revenue Allocation (SRA) Committee will be on-hand throughout the four-day event to raise the profile of Ontario horse racing among equine enthusiasts.

The SRA is responsible for administering funding from the Pari-Mutuel Tax Reduction Program, to be used for initiatives that create new racing fans and new horse owners, while promoting Ontario harness racing. Earlier this year, the group struck alliances with its fellow breeds to create a marketing campaign promoting horse racing venues across the province.

The effort includes a three-breed, high-end brochure for distribution to 195 tourism information centres across the province, and representation at major equine tradeshows throughout 2010.

The SRA administers and/or co-funds several marketing and educational initiatives, such as the Ontario Harness Racing Youth Camp and Standardbred Xtreme Adult Harness Racing Camp programs, the WannaBet program, track Open Houses and Showtime! Staff Training programs, market research, and funding for Equine Guelph's education programs.

For more about the Arkell Equine Expo, including Monday’s programming for race professionals and presentations by John Campbell and Jody Jamieson, click here.

(Grand River Raceway)