It’s been a relatively busy fall for Standardbred Canada and its members again this year. We have completed yearling sales, stakes season, the Breeders Crown held at Woodbine and the Board of Directors meetings, rounding out a busy few months.

It’s been very trying times here in Ontario, most are keeping up to date on our website, with the OMAFRA Panel report that was released. The report has caused much concern on the standardbred side. Watch the Standardbred Canada website for current updates.

The Board of Directors held their annual fall meeting in November in Mississauga again this year. The administration at Standardbred Canada provided extensive background material and many different issues for discussion. One of the major topics of course is the annual budget. As I reported last year, we are in for very challenging times as our membership, registrations, and eligibilities are in a declining fashion. That trend is still happening across the country. With the uncertainty in Ontario, it was very difficult for management to predict what the next year may hold for us. The release of the OMAFRA Panel Report helped to clear some unanswered questions but there are still many issues that are unclear. Due to some of these issues, some of our fees will see minor increases at the first of the year. On a better note, we will still see Stake Contributions continue in the amount of $34,000 across the country. We also have a new sponsor for blankets for all these stakes. Doug McIntosh has graciously offered that McIntosh Pro Line Products will be the official supplier of all blankets for the stakes co-sponsorship with Standardbred Canada. I would like to thank Doug for making this generous offer.

As the holiday season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on our past year and of those who have helped shape our business in the most significant way. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with and for you in the year to come. We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.