On Tuesday, February 21, Harness Horsemen International President Gene Oldford announced that has pledged to utilize all of his organization's resources in support of the Ontario Harness Horsemen's Association

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The survival of the Ontario harness racing industry is at stake due to recommendations cited in the Drummond Report on February 15, 2012, which stated that the provincial government will review the Slots-at-Racetracks appropriations between Ontario raceways and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation.

“Racing and breeding are the third largest agricultural industry in Canada,” Oldford stated. “All Ontario horsemen must stand together with the OHHA at tomorrow’s (February 22) Queen’s Park rally to save these revenues, and keep horse racing alive in this province.”

Ontario Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan said his government may renege on the signed agreement with the horseracing industry which was implemented in 1998. This would devastate the Ontario racing industry, causing thousands to lose their jobs if the government would follow through with this plan.

The OHHA is gathering at Queen’s Park, a University of Toronto enclave, which houses the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. A meeting time has not yet been announced.

“HHI recognizes the importance of the $2.6 billion economic impact the standardbred racing and breeding community has had throughout Ontario, including employing over 65,000 people,” Oldford stressed.

In 2011, the Government of Ontario cleared over $1 billion in combined revenues garnered from Ontario tracks, while slots at Ontario racetracks generated about $1.7 million.

“HHI is committed to standing in unison with the OHHA in their efforts to protect revenues Ontario horsemen earn through their agreement with the Ontario government,” Oldford explained.

“Ontario cannot afford to lose the jobs and economic impact this agriculturally-based industry has throughout the Province, especially rural Ontario,” he added. “That is why HHI, and its 16-member horsemen associations throughout the United States and Canada support the OHHA and their efforts in this battle.”

(HHI)