canada | Horse Racing Free Tips

Over Two Million Canadians To Enjoy Free Access To 24-Hour Racing Coverage In March

As of today, more than two million households in Canada now have access to live horse racing 24 hours a day for the entire month of March.

Ontario Racing, in partnership with Woodbine Entertainment, announced today that it is presenting a free preview of HPItv throughout the month of March for Bell Television subscribers.

“As part of our mandate to promote our sport, Ontario Racing is proud to present this free preview as a fantastic opportunity for both casual and dedicated fans to experience world-class horse racing from across the globe, including outstanding live racing coverage from racetracks across Ontario,” said John Hayes, Independent Chair, Ontario Racing. “Viewers will also be able to access professional handicapping tips, in-depth race analysis, and get the chance to see some of the sport's top stars, both equine and human, vie for victory at racetracks throughout North America and beyond.”

Since 2005, HPItv, which is owned and operated by Woodbine Entertainment, has delivered thrilling, worldwide horse racing action to fans in the comfort of their homes or through their preferred mobile device. The March free preview on Bell features three premium racing channels, each with its own unique programing, that combine to showcase a multitude of races daily from across the world.

“Horse racing is an exciting sport and we are confident that if we continue to provide opportunities to make our sport more accessible, especially while fans cannot attend racetracks in person, interest in our sport will only grow,” said Christina Litz, Vice President, Business Development and Revenue, Woodbine Entertainment. “Last year we launched Racing Night Live on TSN and saw hundreds of thousands of new fans engage with horse racing. This free preview of HPItv is another strategy to grow our sport and we are proud to partner with Ontario Racing on this initiative for fans.”

Seasoned handicappers and new fans to racing will have the chance to watch and wager on world-class live racing currently being held throughout Ontario: Woodbine Mohawk Park, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Rideau Carleton Raceway and Flamboro Downs.

“The Raceway at Western Fair District is thrilled to learn of the free preview of HPItv for the month of March, sponsored by Ontario Racing,” said Rob Lumsden, Director of Raceway & Grandstand, The Raceway at Western Fair District. “Whether you're a first-time player or seasoned handicapper this is a great opportunity to get into the action, attract new fans and to continue to grow the fan base of harness racing in Ontario.”

HPItv features up to four tracks of live racing on a single screen from 6:30 a.m. (ET) to 2 a.m. (ET), daily. Many of the world's most prestigious racetracks including Woodbine Racetrack (Canada), Churchill Downs (U.S.), Santa Anita (U.S.), Saratoga (U.S.), Epsom Downs (U.K.), Ascot Racecourse (U.K.), Flemington Racecourse (Australia), Meydan Racecourse (Dubai), Sha Tin Racecourse (Hong Kong), Tokyo Racecourse (Japan), as well as other venues in South Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond, are featured on HPItv.

Additionally, HPItv is home to the sport's most prestigious events including the Kentucky Derby (U.S.), Breeders' Cup (U.S.A.), Epsom Derby (U.K.) and Canada's iconic Queen's Plate, slated for August 22 this year at Woodbine Racetrack.

As premium channels, the HPItv package is typically only available to subscribers, however the free preview is available to all Bell Television users from March 1 to March 31 on channels 477 to 480 on satellite and channels 475 to 478 on Bell Fibe TV.

Fans who wish to enhance their experience can complement their viewing by signing up for HPIbet.com. HPIbet is Canada's leading horse racing wagering site and is a safe, secure and convenient way to ensure users don't miss a moment of the action or an opportunity to place a bet.

The post Over Two Million Canadians To Enjoy Free Access To 24-Hour Racing Coverage In March appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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It’s Official: No Horse Racing In Saskatchewan For Second Straight Year

The following press release was sent out this Thursday by Prairieland Park, operator of Saskatchewan's only horse racing venue, Marquis Downs. There was no racing in the Canadian province in 2020 due to COVID-19, and last week, a potential investor pulled out of negotiations to host a 2021 race meet.

After much consideration and discussion, Prairieland Park regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2021 Thoroughbred racing season at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon.

This is the second year in a row that Prairieland has had to make this difficult decision. Given the ongoing restrictions surrounding Covid-19, including logistical issues related to the ability to get jockeys into Canada given travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, visa
approvals, and extremely limited airline scheduling to the Caribbean, meant that Prairieland could not commit to a race meet this year.

Seventy-six percent of our professional jockeys come from the Caribbean.

Like many other businesses, Prairieland Park has seen a 90 percent reduction in its overall operations. Net profit declined by 82 percent in 2020 and projected losses from this year will exceed $2,000,000. Prairieland's revenue is derived from trade shows, banquets, agricultural exhibitions, and the Exhibition itself. All of these business units have been unable to open due to Covid-19 and the effect of that has been a significant reduction in revenues.

To help maintain its strong balance sheet Prairieland Park has been forced to make many difficult decisions over the last year. The primary commitment is opening operations when safe to do so.

As other public health restrictions are more clearly known, Prairieland will make further announcements, including the status of the Saskatoon EX.

The post It’s Official: No Horse Racing In Saskatchewan For Second Straight Year appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Saskatchewan Horsemen Facing Uncertainty As Their Lone Racetrack Could See A Second Year Of No Racing

Uncertainty about the future of horse racing in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan continues to grow this week as an investor group backed out of negotiations to conduct a 2021 race meet at Marquis Downs, the province's only licensed racetrack.

The local population of approximately 300 horses, as well as their owners, trainers, and caretakers, are left with few good options, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic also forced the cancellation of the 2020 race meet. According to Saskatchewan HBPA executive director Eddie Esquirol, approximately 180 of those horses were able to move to neighboring provinces for 2020 racing, but the rest were unable to earn any income last year.

With no existing commitment from Prairieland Park, the operator of Marquis Downs, for a 2021 meet, horsemen are being forced to make hard choices about their futures.

“We recognize they have expenses as an operator,” Esquirol said, “but we as horsemen, our costs are still there whether there's horse racing or not.”

“Horse racing has been part of Saskatchewan's heritage for over 100 years and been a part of Indigenous people's culture since time immemorial,” he continued. “Our respected indigenous people of Saskatchewan represent 50 percent of the owners, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, gate crew and pari-mutuel staff; many who are fifth and sixth generation horse families.”

Prairieland Park has been operating live Thoroughbred race meets at Marquis Downs since 1969, consisting of 24 to 30 days of racing per year. The track does not simulcast its signal, so it relies exclusively on attendance, on-track handle, and the handle at its off-track betting facilities in several locations across the province.

Saskatchewan is also the only province in Canada that does not receive government funding for horse racing; adjacent province Alberta receives over $40 million annually between breeding incentive programs and purse funds, Esquirol said.

Following last year's cancellation of the race meet, Prairieland met with the HBPA in July to propose an 18-day race meet for 2021. In November, Prairieland upped the proposal to 20 days, with one less race per race day. The HBPA countered with a minimum of 24 race days, but Prairieland rejected that offer.

To date, Prairieland has yet to apply for race days in 2021.

In late December, the HBPA was approached by an investment group called Pan Am Horse Racing with a proposal to lease the Marquis Downs facility for a 40-day race meet in 2021. The proposal called for a two-to-five year commitment, an investment in simulcasting, provincial government funding of $2.5 million, and included a backstretch jockey/groom school aimed at the local aboriginal population.

Publicly-available financial documents indicate that Prairieland Park loses between $300,000 and $500,000 on racing each year at Marquis Downs, Esquirol said.

Pan Am entered into negotiations with Prairieland Park in early 2021, but a press release on Thursday, Feb. 18 indicated that Pan Am was no longer seeking to lease the Marquis Downs facility this season.

“After much analysis, legalities and consideration, Pan Am has concluded that due to the unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances primarily related to the pandemic, Thoroughbred racing will have challenges in the upcoming 2021 season that cannot be easily overcome at this time,” the release said.

Pan Am did suggest the potential for hosting meets at Marquis Downs in 2022 and beyond, as well as its commitment to build a the jockey/groom school.

“As a testament of its commitment to the future of horse racing in Saskatchewan and Canada, Pan Am will provide support through the establishment of a First Nations Equine School,” the release read. “The school's aim is to revitalize Saskatchewan's horse racing industry by providing the necessary future workforce expertise, reflecting our shared heritage and supporting Indigenous youth, culture and identity to benefit us all.”

Still, that leaves the 500 or so individuals directly involved in horse racing at Marquis Downs without a home in 2021. The backstretch would normally open on April 1, so horsemen are being forced to decide whether they'll try to race in other provinces again this year, wait another season without racing, or perhaps leave the industry altogether.

“Another year of no racing at Marquis Downs will mean Saskatchewan horse people will be forced to relocate to other tracks such as Assiniboia Downs in Manitoba, ten hours away, thus creating undue difficulty for families, owners, trainers, many who have a second job in Saskatchewan,” said Esquirol. “Relocation means paying double rent and utilities both in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Furthermore, being faced with the 14-day interprovincial quarantine when they arrive. All while the Marquis Downs race facility sits empty.

“Saskatchewan has some of the most loyal fans in North America where there is tremendous appetite for sports and crowds have been huge the past number of years. You don't have to live in the bluegrass state of Kentucky to have the passion and desire to be part of the horse racing industry. People call it the 'Sport of Kings' when in reality 80 percent of the industry is made up of everyday hard-working people, who may otherwise be unemployable. They are up at 5 a.m. to do what they love; it's a passion.”

Esquirol said he hasn't given up on securing a 2021 meet, even if the odds are against it.

“Our plan now is to re-affirm the government ask and work with SPPC (Selective Placement Program Coordinator) to negotiate race days for the 2021 meet,” Esquirol wrote on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 19. “SPPC have been notified that horsemen/women stand strong and are planning to have a successful race meet in 2021. I know many of you have contacted your MLA's (Members of the Legislative Assembly) to date. We ask that you continue to voice your concerns.”

Representatives of Prairieland Park did not respond to requests for comment by deadline for this story.

The post Saskatchewan Horsemen Facing Uncertainty As Their Lone Racetrack Could See A Second Year Of No Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Canada’s Parliament Passes Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act

Canada's Private Members Bill C-218, which amends the Criminal Code of Conduct regarding sports betting, was passed in the House of Commons Wednesday, Feb. 17. It will now continue to the Justice Committee, the Senate, and the Governor-General. A similar bill, C-13, introduced by the federal government to legalize single-event sports wagering while including language to protect the horse racing industry, is scheduled for a second reading Friday. Both are widely expected to pass and pave the way for Canadians to participate in single sports betting, while also adopting language to protect the long-term sustainability of the horse racing industry.

“We continue to be very supportive of the legalization of sports betting and are confident that through the legislative process the government will protect the industry that supports tens of thousands of jobs, generates significant economic activity, and is a way of life for thousands of Canadian families,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, which has legally operated single event wagering through a pari-mutuel model for decades.

“Sports betting in Canada is a significant opportunity for the Canadian economy and equally exciting for sports bettors,” continued Lawson. “We remain highly focused on ensuring the horse racing industry not only is protected but has an opportunity to participate in it in a meaningful way.”

The post Canada’s Parliament Passes Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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