Ontario Harness Horse Association wants to see action and some changes to the harness racing field of Ontario, as the industry is currently experiencing Woodbine Entertainment Group’s influence on Ontario Racing. The harness association wants to see some action from Premier Doug Ford that would prevent harness racetracks sprinkled across the province from closing for good in the upcoming years.
In the past, the association has voiced its concerns with the direction of development the harness racing field has taken. As time progresses, its concerns deepen to the point where officials might have to intervene and influence the field in order to prevent disaster. Recent conversations have referred to Leamington Raceway, Dresden Raceway, and Hiawatha Horse Park. Those relatively smaller racetracks are threatened by hard times if their financial situation does not change, association members claim.
OHHA Seeks Premier Doug Ford’s Help
Woodbine Entertainment is a leading force in the regional racing field that appears to have a wider impact on it. The provincial association monitoring the harness racing field has previously expressed its concerns with the overall influence this has on existing harness racing locations, as well as the changes this could cause in the long run. In order to prevent a potential closedown, the association has sought help from provincial MPPs.
The last week of October saw multiple conversations on the subject involving members of the association and Ontario’s MPPs that could have a positive impact on the harness racing field of Ontario. The association claims that Woodbine Entertainment’s influence on Ontario Racing, the provincially appointed industry association, has led to a crisis situation when it comes to the financing of smaller racetracks.
OHHA members expressed their worries about a possible funding optimization by Woodbine Entertainment. In order to improve operation at Woodbine Raceway and Woodbine Mohawk Park, the racing giant might end up redirecting funds supposed to be spent by Ontario’s smaller racetracks. Ontario Harness Horse Association sought Premier Doug Ford’s support in this uncertain period, as he could prompt conversation of contracts renewals.
Woodbine Ent. Influences Ontario Racing
Members want the Premier to give Ontario’s horse racing field a chance to choose between siding with Ontario Racing or OHHA. Right now Leamington Raceway has one year of its contract for operation left but there have not been any talks about its extension past that point. There are 13 live racing dates within its schedule, ranking the location among the smaller ones in the Greater Toronto Area of horse racing.
The local management is concerned that Woodbine Entertainment might prefer boosting its own Woodbine Raceway offering Thoroughbred racing and Woodbine Mohawk Park featuring harness racing events. Dresden Raceway is currently the location bringing the smallest number of live events – 11 a year. A possible hit on the smaller location could leave upwards of 2,000 individuals without employment.
Prior to the elections, Premier Doug Ford made a promise to focus more efforts on the rural regions of the province and the local horse people relying on the income it offers. Ontario Harness Horse Association President James Whelan recently stated that the government should take a look at its commitment and values over the past years.
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