It has been reported that an agreement between the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario and the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium will lead to seven more race dates than originally anticipated at the thoroughbred border oval in 2012

. The horsemen's association will utilize funds earmarked for added purse structure and operational costs in order to make the dates a reality.

"We wanted to do all we can to encourage a healthy horse population for the start up of the 2012 racing season," HBPA of Ontario President Sue Leslie was quoted as saying in an article by the Niagara Falls Review. "We hope this will encourage our trainers and owners to participate at Fort Erie in even larger numbers, providing full fields in order to help the purse account and cover the expenses of the (racing consortium)."

In the report, Jim Thibert, CEO of the racing consortium, expressed his excitement of the proactive move by the HBPA, stating, "…As a not-for-profit corporation we are ever diligent in our need to operate within our financial resources. We were therefore very excited when the (horsemen's association) proposed the application to the (racing commission) for seven additional days of racing and we are all pleased the ways and means were approved."

(With files from the Niagara Falls Review)

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