March, 2021 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Canadian Racetracks, Horsemen Address Committee Regarding Sports Betting

On behalf of the Canadian horse racing industry, Woodbine Entertainment, Racetracks of Canada, Quebec Jockey Club and the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association Of Ontario (HBPA), would like to thank the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for the opportunity to be witnesses today as part of its study of Bill C-218, an act to amend the Criminal Code that would legalize single-event sports betting in Canada.

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent the horse racing industry today as Bill C-218 continues to be studied,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “After participating in today's discussion, we remain confident that the Government appreciates the importance of the horse racing industry, recognizes its substantial economic impact, and understands the need for it to be protected from any unintended consequences from the legalization of sports betting in Canada.”

During the committee meeting, Racetracks of Canada President Bill Ford, Quebec Jockey Club Director Murielle Thomassin, HBPA President Sue Leslie and Lawson reiterated support for Private Members Bill C-218 but requested that it adopt language to protect the industry and the 50,000 jobs it supports across Canada by prohibiting fixed odds wagering on horse racing.

In recognition that sports betting will likely reduce horse racing's share of the wagering market in Canada, and in response to the ongoing financial impacts of COVID-19 on the industry, Ford also requested the Government consider legalizing Historical Horse Racing – a pari-mutuel gaming product where individuals can place a wager on the outcome of races that have occurred in the past. Before the individual locks in a wager, information presented is anonymized in a way that prevents the player from identifying which historic race they are betting on.

“Historical Horse racing is currently prohibited by the Criminal Code, despite it being a proven and legal product in many jurisdictions in North America,” Ford said.

Revenue from Historical Horse Racing would be particularly beneficial to the smaller tracks that only run seasonally for a few weeks a year.

“Overall, we continue to be optimistic about receiving the protection our industry deserves and remain hopeful we will be provided with an opportunity to participate in sports betting in a meaningful way,” Lawson said.

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Mister D Stakes, Formerly Arlington Million, To Be Worth $600K

The GI Mister D. S., formerly known as the Arlington Million, will be run with a purse of $600,000 Aug. 14 at Arlington Park, in what is likely to be the final year of racing at the Chicago-area plant. The Million, along with the rest of its traditional accompanying stakes, was scrapped last year due to the uncertainty surrounding racing dates and purses at the track.

Renamed for longtime Arlington owner Dick Duchossois, the Mister D. will be the centerpiece of an eight-stakes card that also includes the 1 3/16-mile GI Beverly D. S. for fillies and mares and the renamed GI Bruce D. S., formerly the GI Secretariat S., for 3-year-olds at a mile.

Churchill Downs Incorporated, the current owner of Arlington, announced plans to sell the track to a commercial real estate firm Feb. 23. The 2021 race meet at Arlington opens Friday, Apr. 30 and will run for a total of 68 live racing days before concluding Saturday, Sept. 25.

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Oaklawn Raises Purses 15%, Top Allowances Now Worth $110K

Over the final eight weeks of its 2021 season, Oaklawn will boost purses by 15%, a total of $2.5 million, into overnight races, including increasing top allowance races to $110,000. The across the board increase also takes maiden special weights to $93,000 and raises the bottom purse to $27,000, and represents the largest in-season purse hike in the track's history.

“It's been an interesting year to say the least, but it is very gratifying to announce this purse increase nearly a year after shutting the race meet and casino down to fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “I wasn't sure we'd get here a couple weeks ago with all the bad winter weather, but our horsemen and fans are resilient. February ended with a tremendous weekend of racing and it was exciting to see fans back in the infield last week. I have no doubt the final eight weeks of racing are going to be exciting, especially with some of our marquee races still to come.”

Saturday's 12-race card at the Hot Springs oval will be highlighted by the $1-million GII Rebel S. 3-year-olds as the $500,000 Essex H., $350,000 GII Azeri S., $200,000 Hot Springs S., and $150,000 Temperence Hill S. First post is 12 noon.

“Rebel Stakes weekend has grown to be almost as big as Arkansas Derby Day and we're excited to be able to welcome more fans back just in time for the richest racing in our history,” General Manager Wayne Smith said. “Weather permitting, the infield will be open every Saturday throughout the end of the meet. The infield is truly a rite of spring and it was certainly missed last year.”

Oaklawn's 2021 live meet continues through Saturday, May 1.

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De Sousa Returns From Three-Month Absence

Former champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa will be back in the saddle on Wednesday when he rides the Richard Hannon-trained Always Fearless (Ire) (Camacho {GB}) for his retained owner King Power Racing in a Lingfield handicap. De Sousa hasn't been seen on raceday for three months-a planned shoulder operation in December was delayed after the Brazilian contracted Covid-19.

“I'm really looking forward to getting back at it–it's been a while,” De Sousa said. “At the time I was supposed to have my operation I caught Covid, and by the time I was better, they then couldn't do it for a few more weeks. Basically I missed my whole winter, so it was frustrating. I was planning to rehab and then go to Hong Kong and Dubai before the season starts here.

“On the other side I've spent a lot more time with my family than I would usually, so that has been nice. It's been different, but good to spend the winter at home for a change. I can build myself back up to full fitness before the season really begins. Last season I was in a bit of pain most days–now I should be back to normal.”

De Sousa said King Power's 4-year-old Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is among the horses he is looking forward to this season. The grey won the Palace Of Holyroodhouse H. at Royal Ascot and the G3 Lacken S. last summer before finishing fourth in both the G1 Sprint Cup and G1 British Champions Sprint S.

“When you look at the races he ran last year when he was just a 3-year-old, being beaten just a length on Champions Day, you'd have to think he can improve again,” De Sousa said.

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