Ontario Racing’s Standardbred Improvement Program (SIP) committee is dedicated to ensuring the SIP and its flagship Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) remain industry leading programs.  In the spirit of that endeavour, the SIP committee is engaging in a consultation process with industry stakeholders to shape the program beginning with the 50th anniversary season of the OSS in 2024 and to lead the program into another 50 years of excellence.

The consultation process will take place from Nov. 3 to Nov. 24, with written submissions due on Nov. 24.

Written submissions must follow the template provided here by Ontario Racing and align with the SIP’s core mission of promoting the breeding of Standardbred horses in Ontario and to provide economic incentives to breeders to improve the quality of the Ontario Sired and Bred horse.

“The SIP consultation process will allow all industry stakeholders a chance to share their thoughts and insights on how to grow and promote this already successful program well into the future,” said Walter Parkinson, Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA) President and SIP committee member.

The SIP committee is hosting two sessions with leading trainers and owners from the OSS between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23. Details on these sessions will be shared with participants within the next week.

In addition, the SBOA is hosting a meeting of breeders during the consultation time frame.

“Horses produced through this program not only highlight the OSS and Grand Circuit racing each season, but they also graduate to become some of the best aged pacers and trotters across North America,” said Parkinson. “I am excited about the future of this program and I look forward to seeing it develop well beyond the 50th anniversary season.”

After the conclusion of the consultation period, the SIP committee will discuss all submissions during its December meeting and work with OR staff to determine which are financially viable and to the benefit of the entire SIP.

If you have questions about the process, please contact [email protected]

Click here to download the consultation form.

(Ontario Racing)