Sousa Decries Woodbine Stabling Rules

Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa spoke out against a Woodbine Racetrack policy which limits the ability for trainers stabled on the grounds to race elsewhere, including Fort Erie Race Track, the only other Thoroughbred course in the province, according to the Toronto Star.

“We’re disappointed that Woodbine has taken the stand that they have, recognizing the implication it would have on Fort Erie,” Sousa said Wednesday, citing a policy which limits horses stabled at Woodbine to two trips to other venues a season barring races worth over $20,000.

While Woodbine offers year-round stabling, Fort Erie does not, resulting in a horse shortage at the border oval.

“We want to be fair to the rest of the industry,” continued Sousa. “We want to help Fort Erie, because it’s an attraction to the community and it has economic benefit.”

Woodbine Entertainment changed its rules in May, saying horses stabled there could only race at other tracks once a season unless the race had a purse of more than $20,000. That has since been relaxed to permit two visits to other tracks.

Woodbine Entertainment vice-president Jessica Buckley, said in a statement that the new stable policy is similar to many in North America.

“The program is to try to encourage horsepeople to race horses stabled and training at Woodbine, cost free, to run in races at our facility. After numerous discussions with our key stakeholders, including the provincial government, we made significant changes to the policy to assist Woodbine horsepeople who are having trouble finding starts for their horses,” the statement said.

The complete story can be found here: https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2017/07/26/sousa-decries-woodbi…