Jan 302025
 

“Woodbine is a corporate entity that exists to support the Ontario racing industry. Everything is done to create a strong and sustainable industry. We have a real breadth of activities that go on here. We have to invest and we have to tighten the belt and do things with a vision of tomorrow, but at the same time ensure there is an industry for tomorrow. My time is spent on a lot of things that will have a direct correlation to a race or a race meeting; it’s all tied into racing. Racing is the number one reason we are here.”

Canadian Thoroughbred – Jennifer Morrison – Challenges Met, Woodbine Set for 70th Racing Season

Canadian Thoroughbred – Robert Yates – Canadian Trainer Ian Jewell Saddles First Oaklawn Winner


Phil M Stockmen

  One Response to “Challenges Met, Woodbine Set for 70th Racing Season”

  1. A comprehensive report outlying the woes of a declining thoroughbred handles across Canada is rumoured to being published in the near future.

    Woodbine reporting a 10% drop ,from 613 million in 2023 to 553 million in 2024, with foreign dropping 50 million and domestic 10 million will only result in future belt tightening with reduced dates and purse structures in Ontario.

    Transparency has Woodbine, Fort Erie, Assinibioa Downs and Hastings reporting 2024 meet handles but CENTURY since their inception in 2019 has not disclosed numbers. A industry insider has commented that they have 3 yr handle but no track breakdown.

    CENTURY refused to sign off on a disclosure form from CPMA in Nov 2023,stating handle figures can be obtained by date equibase CPMA summary. MINISTER NALLY not knowing the difference between a halter and a top, responded in February 2024 that CPMA was responsible for reporting handles, while all other professional canadian tracks, provide numbers.

    Using century nondisclosure response, 2022 was 28 million, 2023 was 22.6 million (20% drop),2024 was 22.4 million.However total indicates a full 54 day meet and not 6 less in 2023 due to weather/smoke issues and 80k per day reduction per CPMA full disclosure reporting.

    HRA boasts of a vibrant industry with 46/51 million coming from racinos, as the pie shrinks ,what future lies ahead for horsemen after removing your rose coloured glasses, reality will bit you in the backside.

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