In an email to the industry sent on Friday afternoon, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) President Sue Leslie urged the horse racing industry to continue the fight by supporting the by-election in Kitchener-Waterloo.

The release appears below in its entirety.

Together we have worked hard to raise awareness about the economic benefits horse racing and breeding bring to Ontario, while seeking a number of solutions to protect the industry from the cancellation of the Slots at Racetracks Program.

I can report progress in working with the government and opposition parties, but I can't report success just yet. We know they are beginning to acknowledge the validity of our arguments and the strength of our industry, but we will continue to need your help to make our case.

The fight on behalf of all those employed by our industry to date has cost OHRIA and our members nearly $500,000 and there is still much to do. We have benefitted greatly from the fact that the Liberals have a minority government, and as part of our work need to ensure that they don't win the by-election coming in Kitchener-Waterloo. With your support, we would have the resources to hire experts who can strengthen our case with the government officials, and continue to build the case for maintaining a strong horse racing and breeding industry in Ontario.

As an industry, we now need the financial support of those who believe in our cause. If we are to succeed and continue to have the impact we need to, it's going to take your help.

Support Your Ontario Horse Racing and Breeding Industry. Donate $50, $100 or $200 towards OHRIA's efforts so that we can continue fighting on your behalf. Click here to donate securely by credit card through PayPal.

If everyone who receives this email donated, we would be in a strong position going forward. Knowing that not everyone can or will, please ask yourself what protecting the horse racing and breeding industry is worth to you when determining your level of support for our industry.

Donations can be made by Click here credit card through PayPal by clicking here or by sending cheques payable to "Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association" to OHRIA at 555 Rexdale Blvd. PO Box 456, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5L1.

Thank you again for the support you've shown the horse racing and breeding industry to date, I hope I can count on you to continue supporting our efforts.

Sincerely,

Sue Leslie - President and Chair
Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association