Ontario Horse Racing, which is the Program Administrator of the Horse Improvement Program, has announced that it is seeking volunteers to participate in a Working Group.

The mandate of the group is to develop a number of ideas and scenarios to address the declining horse supply for the 2017 Standardbred Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Program.

Via release, OHR has announced that the group should be representative of all sectors within the industry, including breeders, owners and trainers – from both of the Gold and Grassroots levels – as well as racetracks.

To ensure that the structure of the 2017 Program is finalized in time to accommodate the 2015 breeding season meetings will be held at the Country Heritage Park, near Milton, on the following dates:

Wednesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 26, 10:00 a.m.

The recommendations from the group will be presented to the Standardbred Advisory Group on December 3, 2014. The Standardbred Advisory Group will submit its recommendations to the ORC Board for approval.

Individuals with industry experience are invited to apply and are requested to send a brief personal profile outlining their affiliations and role(s) within the industry to Ontario Horse Racing by 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Submissions may be made by either:

Fax: 416-213-7827 (Attention: Sandy Anthony)
Email: [email protected]

Based on the submissions received, members will be selected so as to provide the most representative group possible.

Should you be unable to serve on the Working Group, OSS Program suggestions will be accepted for the Working Group’s review by the end of business day on Monday, November 10, 2014.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014, the OSS program has developed into a leading North American stakes program. It is our intent to work together with the industry to carry on the program’s strong tradition for 2017 and beyond.

For further information, please contact:

Karen Hauver - 519-369-3545
Lisa Hocking - 416-213-7853

(With files from OHR)