HBPA of Ontario Commends Provincial Commitment to Ontario's Horse Racing Industry

HBPA of Ontario Commends Provincial Commitment to Ontario's Horse Racing Industry

New $35 million annual funding commitment supports horsepeople, breeding, rural

communities, and the long-term sustainability of the industry.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – June 29, 2026 – The Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of

Ontario (HBPA) is pleased to welcome the Ontario Government's commitment to invest an additional

$35 million annually over the next five years in Ontario's horse racing industry, reaffirming its

commitment to a strong, competitive, and sustainable future for the sport and the thousands of

Ontarians it supports.

This significant investment recognizes the vital role horse racing plays in Ontario's agricultural

economy, supporting nearly 18,000 jobs, contributing more than $1.9 billion annually to the

provincial economy, and sustaining rural communities across the province. The additional funding

also helps address the increased costs facing the industry following years of inflation since the long-

term funding agreement was established in 2018.

The HBPA is particularly encouraged that a substantial portion of the new funding will be directed

toward Ontario's racing participants through enhanced purses, Ontario-bred and Ontario-sired

incentives, breeder awards, and horse improvement initiatives. These investments will strengthen

the entire Thoroughbred industry by supporting owners, trainers, breeders, and horsepeople,

encouraging continued investment in Ontario-bred and Ontario-sired horses, and helping the

industry remain competitive in the face of rising operating costs.

"This announcement is a significant investment in the future of Ontario Thoroughbred racing," said

Sue Leslie, President of the HBPA of Ontario. "Our owners, trainers, grooms, exercise riders,

hotwalkers, and countless backstretch workers have faced rising costs over the past several years

while continuing to invest in the horses and the industry they love. This additional funding provides

greater confidence for owners to invest, supports competitive purses, strengthens breeding, and

helps ensure Ontario remains one of the premier racing jurisdictions in North America."

Sue would also like to thank the HBPA of Ontario Board of Directors for its dedication and leadership

throughout the negotiations."I would like to sincerely thank our Board of Directors for remaining steadfast and united throughout

this process," Leslie said. "The Board consistently advocated on behalf of Ontario's owners, trainers,

and horsepeople while working collaboratively with Ontario Racing and our industry partners to

achieve an outcome that benefits the entire Thoroughbred sector. Their commitment and

perseverance helped ensure that the interests of our members remained at the forefront throughout

these discussions."

The HBPA of Ontario also recognizes that the additional funding will provide meaningful support to

Ontario breeders through enhanced breeder awards and Ontario-bred incentives, strengthening the

foundation of the industry's long-term success.

The HBPA board on behalf of our members, extend our sincere appreciation to Premier Doug Ford,

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and

Ontario Racing’s board and Chair Andrew Gaughan for their leadership and collaborative efforts in

securing this important investment for the industry.

The HBPA of Ontario looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with government and

industry partners to ensure these investments benefit owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, and

the thousands of Ontarians whose livelihoods depend on a strong and sustainable horse racing

industry.

Please note:

Allowance races with Optional Claiming prices will now be treated equally and share in the