The director of the Ontario Racing Commission today announced the April 2013 Race Date Schedule, based on applications for variance received.

Some of the negotiations between racetrack operators and government have not yet concluded or have very recently been announced, making consideration of a coordinated 2013 calendar within the framework of the Ontario Racing Program not possible at this time. The director is releasing the decision regarding dates for April 2013 to ensure the continuation of live racing.

Due to time constraints, Reasons For Decision will follow at a later date.

The following variances to the 2013 April race date schedule were approved:

RACETRACK
• 2013 April Race Dates

WOODBINE RACETRACK
• Thoroughbred Premier Cards, 5 (varied from 12)
• Standardbred Premier Cards, 17 (no change)

WESTERN FAIR
• Standardbred Signature Cards, 18 (varied from 17)

FLAMBORO DOWNS
• Standardbred Signature Cards, 16 (varied from 13)

RIDEAU CARLETON RACEWAY
• Standardbred Signature Cards, 8 (varied from 13)

GEORGIAN DOWNS
• Standardbred Signature Cards, 0 (varied from 8)

SUDBURY DOWNS
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards, 0 (varied from 3)

The director also provides notice that Kawartha Downs Limited has applied for and has been granted an application to cancel its licence effective March 31, 2013 and to cancel its remaining schedule of 2013 race dates for Kawartha Downs.

Please be advised that you or any other aggrieved party have the right to appeal the director’s decision to the commission.

To view a comprehensive April race-date calendar, click here.

To view the approved 2013 race-date calendar (as at March 28, 2013), click here.

(ORC)