On Sunday afternoon, the Ontario Harness Horse Association issued the following release to the industry regarding a recommended horsemen’s boycott of Woodbine Entertainment Group’s entry box as a result of the lack of a 2009 contract between the two groups.

OHHA is pleased that WEG has changed their position on the clause, which determines revenue splits from winter thoroughbred and Hong Kong thoroughbred simulcast.

In the latest proposal from WEG the clause read, ”For certainty, sharing of commissions earned for purses from thoroughbred simulcast revenue for the purposes of paragraph 2(a) (i) and (ii) will be determined by contract between the company and thoroughbred horsepeople.”

That demand has been taken off of the negotiating table. OHHA has maintained throughout negotiations that these simulcasts occur during live standardbred racing only and are subject to the contracted standardbred revenue splits, not the thoroughbred splits. This share of revenue contributes between $3.5 and 4 million to standardbred purses.

“This is a clear indication that when horsepeople stand united and voice their concerns that positive results can be achieved,” stated OHHA president Jim Whelan. “Horsepeople have been clear on their desire to withhold entries from WEG until an acceptable contract can be ratified and we will continue to negotiate the outstanding issues on their behalf”

An OHHA members meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m, Tuesday December 30, 2008 at the Best Western Hotel, 161 Chisholm Drive in Milton, Ontario.

For more information go to www.ohha.ca.

(OHHA)

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