On Thursday, July 3, the Ontario Racing Commission announced that, as one of the conditions set by the ORC director regarding the cancellation of Sudbury Downs’ ORC licence, the director has ordered that all Sudbury purse monies be forwarded to the ORC to be held in trust for the Standardbred horsepeople.

The ORC’s notice to the industry on the situation goes on to explain that the monies include any remaining funds in the Sudbury Downs purse account, including any underpayment of purses. In addition, Sudbury Downs is required to immediately forward any funds earned or due to the purse account subsequent to the transfer of the remaining funds.

According to the authority resting with the ORC director under the Racing Commission Act, 2000, the ORC is committed to acting in the best interests of all participants in the Ontario horse racing industry.

The release goes on to state that, as stated in previous Notices to the Industry, any monies held in purse account will only be used for the benefit of Ontario horsepeople. Any decision on how, and in what way, purse money will be allocated will only be made in consultation with horsepeople.

(With files from the ORC)

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