Gord Dougan, General Manager of Hanover Raceway, has commented on the announcement that the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp. has reached an agreement in principle with the Hanover Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society to continue to host the slots at Hanover Raceway.
No details are being released on the proposal, which the Society hopes to finalize by February 28, 2013.
Dougan said the tentative agreement is designed to replace the Slots-At-Racetrack partnership, which ends on March 31, 2013. The previous agreement provided the racetrack with 10 per cent of the slots net win to operate the facilities, and 10 per cent to supplement purses for live horse racing.
Meanwhile, Dougan said he’s happy to see that Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has reached an agreement with the OMAFRA transition panel to see that funds are set aside to continue the province’s long history with horse racing.
Hanover Raceway is anxious to meet with the panel to determine if the non-profit agricultural society can participate in the program.
Dougan said live racing provides the opportunity to earn an income for thousands of Ontarians, including breeders, horse owners, grooms, trainers, drivers, and provides revenue to the ancillary service providers, including veterinarians, local businesses that sell products to horsepeople, and to farmers who supply our province's horses with food and straw.
Dougan said it is hoped that their discussions with the OMAFRA panel will allow them to start planning for their 2013 live racing season.
Hanover Raceway employs 38 people year round and 50 full and part-time summer racing staff.
(With files from Hanover Bentinck and Brant Agricultural Society/Hanover Raceway)
Thank you Mr Dougan for at
Thank you Mr Dougan for at least saying you want to get to work on your 2013 season! It`s nice to hear that you plan on racing! I will be looking forward to racing at hanover again this year....