The Board of Directors at the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) feel some optimism that progress is being made after meeting with two government agencies tasked with integrating horse racing into the Province’s overall gaming strategy.

Jean Major, CEO of both the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and David Phillips, Director of Strategic Engagement at AGCO, along with their colleagues updated the OHRIA Board on the amalgamation of the ORC into the AGCO. The transition for AGCO to become the Provincial regulator for the horse racing industry, scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2016, was confirmed to be on target and updates on the necessary change to legislation and the overall transition strategy were discussed.

Stephen Rigby, President and CEO at OLG, and Cal Bricker, Senior Vice President of Horse Racing at OLG, spoke to the Board with regard to the importance and expectation of governance for the industry and the advancement and timelines for the integration of horse racing into Ontario’s gaming strategy.

John Snobelen, Chair of the Industry Governance Committee (IGC) updated the OHRIA Board on the concept and vision of the new governance model for the industry. Work in this regard is ongoing however a framework has been established.

“Each Director on the OHRIA Board was steadfast in expressing to both AGCO and OLG that the industry needs progress to happen and to happen quickly,” commented Sue Leslie, President and Chair of OHRIA, “Upon hearing the updates at the meeting I am confident that our message was received and I am confident that Mr. Rigby and Mr. Bricker are committed to timely integration and a long-term strategy for the horse racing industry as quickly as possible.”

(OHRIA)