Western Fair Raceway and the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) announced today an overall purse reduction of approximately 15 per cent, effective
October 30, 2009.
“Due to the softening of the local economy, both simulcast wagering and Slot revenue are down and the trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This, in turn, has a negative impact on available purse money,” explains Racing and Gaming Manager Ian Fleming.
Western Fair Raceway management and representatives from the Ontario Harness Horse Association met recently to discuss options. As a result, the Raceway has proposed an additional day of racing during the winter meet. If approved by the Ontario Racing Commission, these additional race dates will spread out existing purse money over four days, as opposed to three.
“This news is not unexpected by OHHA,” said President Darryl MacArthur. “We met with our members in London and told them that we were starting the meet off with an estimated million dollars less in the purse pool than the previous race season. We understand the general economic downturn makes the reduction in purse money necessary. On a more positive note, we believe the extra day of racing each week over the winter will accomplish several things. First, it will provide our members with more opportunities to earn purse money. Secondly, by taking some of London’s dates out of the May/June calendar we feel the simulcast commissions will be higher for both horse people and the track. ”
Both Western Fair Raceway and OHHA will monitor the situation on a monthly basis.
(Western Fair)