On Friday, April 12, the Ontario Racing Commission announced its approved race dates for May through to December of 2013.

To view a copy of the approved 2013 race-date calendar, click here.

The contents of the ORC's release regarding the race dates from May through to December 2013 appear below.

ORC Approves Race Dates For May through December 2013

Notice of Director’s decision regarding variance requests

The Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has approved the 2013 Ontario Race Date Schedule for the remainder of the calendar year. The decisions on allocations were made based on a review of the needs of the Ontario Racing Program while recognizing the negotiated racetrack arrangements with government.

The Director provides notice that where applicable, the approved dates are conditional upon completed negotiations with government. All parties are also reminded that an application for variance of approved race dates may be submitted for consideration in accordance with Policy Directive 3 -2007.

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

The following variances to the 2013 Race Date Schedule were approved:

RACETRACK
• 2013 Race Dates from May to December

Ajax Downs
• Quarter Horse Signature Cards - 30 (varied from 40)

Clinton Raceway
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 20 (varied from 19)

Dresden Raceway
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 16 (varied from 23)

Flamboro Downs
• Standardbred Signature Cards - 39 (varied from 110)

Fort Erie Race Track
• Thoroughbred Signature Cards - 50 (varied from 77)

Georgian Downs
• Standardbred Signature Cards - 33 (varied from 88)

Grand River Raceway
• Standardbred Signature Cards - 63 (varied from 64)

Hanover Raceway
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 20 (varied from 32)

Kawartha Downs
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 20 (varied from 65)

Mohawk Racetrack
• Standardbred Premier Cards - 84 (varied from 98)

Rideau Carleton Raceway
• Standardbred Signature Cards - 56 (varied from 116)

Sudbury Downs
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 20 (varied from 60)

Western Fair District
• Standardbred Signature Cards - 58 (varied from 56)

Woodbine Racetrack
• Thoroughbred Premier Cards - 128 (varied from 158)
• Standardbred Premier Cards - 56 (varied from 64)

Woodstock Raceway
• Standardbred Grassroots Cards - 0 (varied from 23)

Calendars of the 2013 Ontario Race Dates for each of the racetracks are attached.

Be advised that applications to vary approved race dates were not received from Hiawatha Horse Park for Standardbred dates, or from Fort Erie Race Track for Quarter Horse dates.

On March 28, 2013, Notice was provided to the industry that the Director had cancelled Kawartha Downs’ 2013 licence at the request of Kawartha Downs Limited. Kawartha Downs Limited subsequently submitted a request that the Director rescind his decision to cancel the licence. As a result of the request, the Director rescinded his decision on March 31, 2013.

Please be advised that any aggrieved party has the right to appeal the Director’s decision to the Commission.