Ontario Racing is pleased to announce the appointments of John Hayes, and Dr. Brian Van Arem, to its Board as Directors-at-Large. The Ontario Racing board approved these appointments based on the recommendation of its Executive Committee, which conducted the search and interview process. In total, twenty-one applications were received following the public notice of these vacancies in March 2017, and of those, five candidates were interviewed by the committee.

John Hayes has over twenty-five years experience as a Standardbred race horse owner, and brings significant business management and executive expertise to OR’s Board, with former positions in finance and marketing with companies such as General Electric, Black & Decker and Home Depot. John also previously served as Gaming Director with Ontario Lottery and Gaming, with operational responsibilities at Georgian Downs, Ajax Downs, Grand River Raceway, Woodbine and other racetracks across the province.

Dr. Brian Van Arem is an accomplished equine veterinarian with experience as a Thoroughbred trainer and breeder. Dr. Van Arem is the Managing Partner and Owner of the Milton Equine Hospital and CEO and Director of Operations for the Toronto Equine Hospital. Dr.Van Arem is also Owner and General Manager of one of the largest private thoroughbred training facilities in Ontario, and is a consulting veterinarian with a non-profit Thoroughbred retirement foundation.