Kawartha Downs is among the most popular locations for many Ontario racing enthusiasts, thanks to its diverse schedule and the myriad of live opportunities it has up for grabs. This weekend saw the last live races for this year, a milestone event that closed this chapter for the racetrack. This fall is much different from the one before, as Kawartha Downs is certain that next year would bring more live racing on site of the track.
Watching live harness racing is a beloved outdoor activity for people of all age groups, as many locals like spending quality time with their children and close relatives, or their friends at racetracks. For years on end, Kawartha Downs has been associated with the thrill of harness racing in Ontario, attracting a crowd of individuals hailing from near and far.
Harness Racing Continues 2020
The last days of this year’s live entertainment on site give locals hope for something new. It could be recalled that exactly twelve months ago, the situation was rather different, as the last days of live harness racing at Kawartha Downs failed to promise locals that they would experience this on the following year.
The turmoil in Ontario’s horse racing field put at risk Kawartha Downs’ future and a 2019 season was not promised. The harness racetrack’s management had to arrange its future collaboration with Ontario Racing, an agreement that had the potential to solidify its position on the local racing market. However, following the mandatory signature, Kawartha Downs confirmed that the upcoming season would be even better than the one before.
The end of 2018 confirmed season 2019 was scheduled to feature 21 live races at the harness racetrack, marking an improvement from 18 race dates last year. Gaming operation on site of the racetrack has the potential to guarantee its sustainable future, as Shorelines Casino managed by Great Canadian Gaming would prove whether or not the racetrack is worthy for further support.
Next Season Should See New Arrangement
The inked arrangement at the end of 2018 is about to see its last days at the end of 2020 and its renewal would be partly motivated by the gaming performance adjacent to the racetrack. A bigger crowd and gaming revenue at the end of the 2020 live racing season would solidify Kawartha Downs’ position on the local scene and a new contract would be inked.
Projections are that the live racing events would surpass this year’s 21 dates. General Manager Orazio Valente recently made it clear that the gaming operation on site has experienced a slight slump over the past few months, but projections are that it would improve in the foreseeable future. The core reason for it was the betting technology implemented that saw some now resolved issues.
This summer welcomed the news that the racetrack’s owner has inked a deal with Romspen Investments Corporation for Kawartha Downs’ sale. The sale was prompted mainly because of Skip Ambrose’s swelling debt. He oversaw 16 businesses, among which Kawartha Downs and their operation managed to amass a debt of CA$97.3 million.
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