Equine Canada, the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests, voiced its support for Ontario horse racing today in a news release and letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty

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In both the news release and letter, Equine Canada stated it strongly supports Ontario horse racing and encourages the province to continue its strong partnership with the industry.

For more than 10 years, the OLG Slots at Racetrack Program has been a successful partnership that generates more than a billion dollars a year for the province and enormous benefits for rural Ontario. In addition to the enormous local benefits, this relationship has also created tremendous new opportunities both at home and abroad for the Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse breeds.

Ontario sired and bred horses are in demand around the world, and Equine Canada has collaborated with the racing industry to encourage increased exportation and worldwide growth. Just recently, Equine Canada worked closely with the racing industry in enhancing relationships with China and Australia, two nations that have taken great interest in Ontario racing and breeding. Equine Canada will continue to encourage foreign investment in Ontario’s horse racing industry

“Canada is a great equine nation with a horse industry that is economically viable and vital,” said Mike Gallagher, president of Equine Canada. “Horse racing in Ontario, and the thousands of men and women who work in this flourishing industry, play a very important role in this national success story.

“We strongly encourage the government of Ontario to work with the industry to ensure horse racing continues to grow and prosper. The benefits of this successful partnership are felt not only in Ontario but in every part of Canada, throughout our rural and farming communities, and among the tens of thousands of men and women who work with horses or supply products and services to the horse racing industry.”

Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism. A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry. Equine Canada is recognized by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

(With files from Equine Canada)