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Hayes Steps Down as Independent Chair of Ontario Racing

Ontario Racing (OR) confirmed that John Hayes will step down as its Independent Chair, after leading the organization since March of 2018.

“Horse racing is a unique partnership between all participants including owners, breeders, horsepeople and racetracks,” said Hayes. “If one of the cogs is experiencing an issue, the other gears will not work as well. Building strong relationships with these partners and trusting those relationships allowed us to achieve our goals and overcome challenges in these past four years.”

The Long-Term Funding was among initiatives established under Hayes. Katherine Curry, the first Executive Director of Ontario Racing, worked closely with Hayes during her time in the role, when the Long-Term Funding Agreement was instituted.

“The Long-Term Funding Agreement represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between the

horse racing industry and its government partners, and John helped Ontario Racing lay the groundwork for its current and future success,” said Curry, current Ontario Racing Board Member, and Vice President of Legal and Compliance at Woodbine Entertainment Group.

While the Long-Term Funding Agreement and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic were the largest items on OR's agenda the last four years, Hayes' influence also impacted the work the organization has done with breeding programs, equine welfare, and aftercare.

Added Sue Leslie, Ontario Racing Board Member and President of the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association of Ontario, “John has a lot of class, and he has led with dignity. When you have class and dignity at the top, it sets the tone, and everyone follows. Ontario Racing will miss him, and his leadership.”

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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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Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame Induction Postponed Until 2021

At a meeting held June 23, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Gala, due to the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the intention of the CHRHF to induct the Class of 2020, along with those inducted in 2021, at ceremonies tentatively scheduled to take place during the summer of 2021.

After the Board Meeting CHRHF President, Darryl Kaplan provided the following statement. “While consideration was given to alternate formats for the event, it was agreed that the Class of 2020 deserves to be honoured for their lifetime of achievements in Canadian horse racing with the full recognition bestowed to those inducted previously to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and that includes being surrounded by the family and friends who have been part of their careers. Unfortunately, that is not possible at this time. While we are unable to hold the formal induction ceremony for Gary Boulanger, Sue Leslie, Mike Keogh, Paul MacDonell, Ben Wallace, Amour Angus, McWicked, Play the King, Rambling Willie and Tepin during 2020, we are fully committed to doing so in the near future.”

“Additionally, as a registered charity, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame annual Induction Gala is a significant fundraiser for the organization. Like so many others in horse racing and beyond we are looking at creating alternate opportunities to generate the funds required to support the CHRHF's ongoing operation. Further information about these activities will be provided in the coming weeks.”

Details regarding the Nomination and Election of the Class of 2021 will be released this fall.

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