It’s that time of year — most breeding farms in Canada are wrapping up final foalings and finishing off the last of breeding mares. It’s definitely been a very tumultuous season in Ontario, to say the least. With the Slots At Racetracks partnership ending in March 2013, it has cast a very heavy cloud over our industry. Many stallion farms are breeding less than 50% of the business that they saw just a year ago. Many foals are being born that will not have the opportunity to race, though this was the intent when they were conceived just a short year ago.
The impact of this short-sighted decision made by our province’s Liberal Government is decimating our once cherished breeding industry. The world-renowned Ontario Sire Stakes program won’t feel the effects for another year; in the meantime, the Horse Improvement Program Advisory Committee along with other industry leaders are in conversation with the Ontario Racing Commission to find a model to foster the integrity and strength of the OSS Program.
Ontario is not alone — both Saskatchewan and New Brunswick are dealing with announcements of funding cutbacks. Standardbred Canada has spoken to representatives from those provinces, and is offering assistance to help in any government negotiations or restructuring plans.
The Standardbred Canada By-Laws Committee has met several times over the last few weeks and is working diligently on updating the current by-laws. The updates will reflect governance changes that the association will look to our membership to approve. The Board and the administration agree that these changes will allow SC to serve the membership in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Among these changes is a smaller Board size that maintains our geographic representation and our membership classes (breeder, active, track).
Standardbred Canada and Standardbred Breeders of Ontario worked together this year for the inaugural Mother’s Day Open House at several breeding farms in Ontario. We had well over 1000 people visit the four farms on Mother’s Day, and for most attendees it was their first time on or even near a horse farm! The weather was cooperative, which helped for a great showing. Even Uncle Jack & Don McNiven were on hand to welcome the many visitors to our farm. Their stories of being in the business well over 50 years were enjoyed by many. It was a very successful initiative on behalf of our industry that, with any luck, will continue on in the future.
We’re also beginning to see this years’s three year olds resurfacing for the upcoming stakes season. Warrawee Needy recently posted an outstanding qualifier of 1:49.2 on the Mohawk oval. It’s looking like it could be another great season for Needy and his Jamieson Stable connections. You’ll also see a field of exceptional sophomores in this month’s North America Cup. Could there be another record? Another ‘Beach’-like atmosphere? It is without a doubt one of the best nights of racing in Canada. Please go out and enjoy... and good luck to all!