ORC: "Positive Signs" For ORP

Published: September 27, 2011 04:46 pm EDT

According to a release from the Ontario Racing Commission, harness racing in Ontario is showing some positive signs despite negative trends within the industry

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Pointing out that horses are averaging roughly the same earnings per start from 2010 and that wagering on WEG's standardbred product is up year-to-date from 2010.

The text from the ORC release is as follows:


Ontario Standardbred horse racing is showing positive signs

The Ontario Racing Program is a direct outcome of the racing community’s demand that changes were needed in Ontario horse racing: the number of race days were in drastic decline, wagering on Standardbreds was faltering at the Premier level and the future of the industry and the people who work in horse racing were at risk. This provincial approach to horse racing evolved from extensive collaboration and consultation with the racing community over 18 months. Considered a transition year, 2011 is the first year of the Program.

  • On average, Standardbred horsepeople in Ontario are earning the same amount of purse per start in 2011 as they did in 2010.

    - 2011 average earnings per start is currently $1,232, including overnight and added money races, compared to $1,234 per start this time last year. Over the same timeframe, starts per horse has increased slightly.

  • Wagering from all sources on Ontario’s Premier Standardbred product increased by 3% over 2010, despite fewer race dates.

    - Wagering per card on the WEG Standardbred product increased 17% and wagering per race increased 12%.

    - Ontario is doing better at selling their product at this level, but wagering by Ontario residents on foreign product is down, which will impact both racetrack and purse account revenue streams going forward.

(ORC)

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