In 2012, the Liberal government pulled the rug out from under the Ontario racing industry when they announced the end of the Slots At Racetracks Program. In this Canadian Thoroughbred feature, Arika Everatt-Meeuse of Shannondoe Farm sheds insight on the challenges facing Ontario Thoroughbred breeders and the precarious position they are in that will ultimately negatively impact the supply of racehorses and the long-term viability of racing in the province.
She points to the lucrative breeding incentives offered by a number of US states including Pennsylvania and New York intended to entice more breeders to stand better stallions and for more people to breed their mares there. Also discussed is the takeover of the Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP) by Ontario Racing (OR), the influence of Woodbine, which is more focused on expanded gaming and land development than supporting Ontario breeders, and some recommendations for the future health of the industry.
Read the full article on Canadian Thoroughbred.
