iGaming Business – The Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, owner and operator of various racetrack and casino gaming venues in Canada, has signed agreements with five Ontario racetrack operators and the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) in support of the Horse Racing Partnership Plan.
The company said the agreements will establish a ‘Standardbred Alliance’ amongst a core group of racetracks centered around the concentrated horse supply in Central and South Western Ontario, as well as providing stability and clarity for all industry stakeholders.
The Standardbred Alliance presents a three-tier racing hierarchy of Gross Roots, Signature and Premier.
Clinton Raceway and Hanover Raceway are classed as Gross Roots, while Flamboro Downs, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway and The Raceway at Western Fair are Signature. Mohawk Racetrack and Woodbine Racetrack has been handed Premier status.
The Alliance has worked with government, regulators and industry participants to deliver a racing plan to develop a year-round racing calendar that will attract foreign and domestic customers, as well as providing consistent purse levels at each track and enables enhanced operational efficiencies.
Under a new five-year racing programme, which will be administered by the ORC, Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs will receive provincial funding for their racing purses.
In addition, the racetracks’ pari-mutuel revenues will be pooled and shared amongst tracks
Rod Baker, president and chief executive officer of the Great Canadian Gaming Corportation, said: “The finalisation of these agreements is good news for the future of horse racing in Ontario. We are committed to working with the provincial government and the Standardbred Alliance on implementing a long-term, sustainable model for racing in the province.”
