Prior to considering the application, the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is circulating for public input the proposed change received from Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) to change its approved calendar of Standardbred race dates at Woodbine Racetrack.

The application and supporting documentation is attached for review.

To be considered, submissions providing input must be received prior to Friday, September 20, 2013.

Submissions may be submitted as follows:

1. Dropped off at the ORC Head Office at 10 Carlson Court, Suite 400
2. By Email, using [email protected]
3. By Fax, using 416-213-7827

Based on its original 2013 approved race dates, Woodbine Standardbred is scheduled to run four days a week in October, November and December, similar to its Mohawk schedule during the summer months. At the time, WEG advised the ORC of its intention in the winter of 2014 to race three days a week in February and March, going dark in January. This date structure was being contemplated in order to be able to meet WEG’s contractual agreements and financial realities.

Since that time, there has been discussion between WEG and its horsepeople that it may be more beneficial to add January back into the schedule. The schedule that WEG is now proposing would address that issue, while remaining within its ability to comply with its contracts and financial constraints.

The application from WEG calls for the cancellation of Mondays starting October 21, 2013 and the addition of three days a week back into the schedule in January. The result would see a three days a week schedule mid-October through March and a four days a week schedule April through mid-October, for a total of 183 days.

Prior to making its recommendations to the Director, the Ontario Racing Program’s Implementation and Monitoring Group would be well served by hearing from participants, stakeholders and the wagering public.

The documentation from WEG is available below.

Sept. 2 letter from WEG

Calendar Draft

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