The Ontario racing industry has been working with the Province of Ontario and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. to secure a long-term agreement for the provincial horse racing industry. The situation has been profiled by an article in the Toronto Star.
The article features comments from Ontario Racing Policy Director Mike Chopowick, Ontario Racing Chair Hugh Mitchell and horseman Anthony MacDonald, among others.
“We’re poised, once we get this funding model put in place, to work away at our ultimate goal of having a more sustainable and viable industry,” Mitchell was quoted as saying. “I think the challenge for the industry is to be more creative and innovative in how it develops products and handles the demand for gaming.”
The article also highlighted the concerns of horsepeople and stakeholders who are worried about the sustainability of smaller tracks in the province.
Jeff Leal, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, says he is open to many options when it comes to the viability of racetracks across the province.
“I believe that we need to look at all the positive suggestions from the perspective of sustaining 15 racetracks across the province of Ontario.”
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Toronto Star)