The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) issued a statement on Thursday, April 17 indicating that the Rideau Carleton Raceway backstretch will be closing.

A statement from Gordon McDonald, president of the NCRHHA, was issued on Thursday afternoon in response to the track's decision to close the backstretch. Trot Insider reached out to NCRHHA to confirm a date for the closure but a response was not received by the time of publication. 

The statement appears below in its entirety.

To our NCRHHA racing community:

The decision to close the backstretch at Rideau is extremely disappointing and will impact many in our racing community. That this step has been taken following a four-month shut down, and after owners and trainers have invested in horses for the racing season we have just launched, is extremely unfortunate. 

We have explored [all] possible avenues of discussion to mitigate this decision. However, we need to recognize and accept that it is a financial decision, primarily a result of the fixed-funding agreement that has been in place between racetracks and the Government of Ontario following the cancellation of the Slots-at-Racetracks program in 2012. These agreements are not indexed for inflation and do not require a racetrack to have a backstretch to conduct racing.

With respect to live racing, I have also met with Christine Crump (President, Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock) and Mr. Peter Andrusek (Racing Manager). Ms. Crump has assured us that she remains committed to live racing.  

Rideau's paddock construction has started, which represents a significant investment in racing infrastructure by Hard Rock and Ontario Racing. Ms. Crump has also stated that they are allocating a dedicated betting facility within the Casino design and are committed to promoting racing as part of their marketing plan.

The NCRHHA will continue to work with the Rideau-Hard Rock organization to support and promote live racing, the interests of its members and the racing industry.

Regards, 

Gordon McDonald, 
On behalf of the NCRHHA:
Gordon McDonald, President
John MacMillan, Executive Director
Michelle Jerome, Secretary Treasurer 
Julie Ferguson, Backstretch Representative 

 (With files from NCRHHA)