On Friday (Sept. 3), Gordon Thain, executive director of Ontario Racing, issued an update to horsepeople regarding the 2022 Ontario Sires Stakes program.
Mr. Thain's update reads as follows:
In my short time as Executive Director with Ontario Racing, one thing that stands out above all else is the passion each member has for the industry. I would like to thank all of those who have helped ensure the continued success of the province’s harness racing industry through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to the full cooperation of racetracks, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA), and by using prior years' Standardbred Horse Improvement Plan (SIP) reserves, Ontario Racing was able to ensure the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) program continued to be well-funded in 2021 in spite of the government-imposed shutdowns that significantly reduced wagering handle.
Looking ahead to 2022, I am pleased to inform you that purse levels for the OSS program will be maintained provided there are no additional government-imposed shutdowns. OSS purses are funded in part through Home Market Area wagering — the amount wagered from within Ontario on Ontario horse racing — so future losses of wagering opportunities will impact OSS purses in 2022.
As one of the most robust programs in North America, the Ontario Sires Stakes will continue to offer Ontario Sired horses rewarding opportunities to compete and win against the best in the sport. Additional information about the OSS program is available at oss.ontarioracing.com.
I would like to sincerely thank our racetrack partners, COSA and the breeders for their commitment to the Ontario Sires Stakes in 2021. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the coming year by working together for the benefit of all.
Please continue to be safe and reach out with any questions. Thank you.
Gordon Thain
Executive Director, ORM
(Ontario Sires Stakes)