Katherine Curry, the executive director of Ontario Racing Management, has shared her thoughts on the state of the horse racing industry in the province.
Curry's words appear below.
With the return of live horse racing throughout Ontario, it is a time to embrace this opportunity to showcase our great industry and the many people who contribute to its success.
From the moment live racing was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Racing acted quickly and decisively, fulfilling its responsibilities as the voice of the horse racing industry in the province.
The creation of the Ontario Racing task force, which brought together key figures representing all three breeds, resulted in immediate financial support, in line with existing race-cancellation practices, for those associated with Standardbred horses for the last two weeks of March.
During the pause to live racing and to this day, Ontario Racing has been in constant contact with the Ontario government, OLG, AGCO, CPMA, Racing Forensics Inc., and member racetracks. Those discussions resulted in a purse reallocation program for the entire industry for the months of April and May, enhanced safety protocols, and the revamping of 2020 race schedules.
It has been a combination of hard work, patience and a dedicated team effort from the thousands of people affiliated with the industry that greatly contributed to the return of live racing in Ontario.
We have come a long way to achieve the restart of racing, which is why we must all continue to adhere to the protocols that have been put in place for the health and welfare of horses and horsepeople. Let’s all remember to play our part to stay safe.
As we gear up for what will be an exciting summer and fall of racing throughout the province – featuring some of the most prestigious events in the sport – Ontario Racing will continue to proudly represent the many people who make this a world-class industry.
(Ontario Racing)