Q&A With Sue Leslie

Interviewed by Jennifer Morrison

1. How is Thoroughbred racing doing now that Woodbine and Fort Erie are underway with their 2025 meetings?

Both Woodbine and Fort Erie had great starts to the 2025 racing season. Fort Erie saw its second highest handle and a great opening day crowd.  They continue to struggle with horse supply; but they are holding steady with their field sizes. Fort Erie has several events scheduled throughout the racing season from the farmers market, Tiki Bar Concert Series, to the dog races (Wieners, Corgi and Basset Hound), and the new Fort Foodie Fest and Halloween event in October; its worth visiting the racetrack.

Woodbine is now racing four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. We are just over 2 months into the 2025 season, and we have already witnessed the Super Stakes Saturday, a new track record by Patches O’Houlihan, last year’s King’s Plate winner Caitlinhergrtness one on her first race out, we have owners and trainers already having record breaking years. It’s been a great start at Woodbine, and they have only just begun. An effort to attract new owners is underway and needs to be a priority for all of us.

2. The Woodbine main track experienced some issues late last year that were rectified. How is the main track this spring? (has the cooler and rainier weather been an issue?)

The HBPA with Woodbine racetrack and their track surface team continue to monitor the tapeta surface on a daily basis.  We are grateful for the Tapeta team’s quick reaction to last seasons track issues. Having Joan, Miguel and Juan on the grounds was so helpful and we were able to make the necessary changes to get the surface back in working order.

Also, Woodbine recently purchased an integrated racetrack surface tester; this device is used to measure the total surface penetration depth, moisture content, and GPS coordinates for each measurement take on the track surfaces. This will help the racetrack surface team monitor the surface and provide detail reports so any future issues can be resolved proactively.

3. As with so many other tracks throughout North America, the horse population continues to be a problem. When Woodbine went to four days a week, the weekday cards have had trouble filling. Does this simply have to be a case of weathering the storm or what would be a solution, long term, for the small fields?

Right now, I believe it’s a case of weathering the storm. The HBPA liaison committee meets with Woodbine on a regular basis to discuss ongoing issues; horse population, field sizes, and the condition book are just a few of them. We have identified the necessity of working on new ownership and looking after the owners we have. Owners are the life blood of the industry, and we must make every effort to appreciate their involvement and investment. Those of us in leadership roles need to make ownership – fun, interesting and appreciated. We can do better in this regard.

4. Turf racing is one of the best things Woodbine has to offer and already the fields are better with grass races. When the EP Taylor course has to be refurbished later this summer, will the inner turf be hosting the remainder of the stakes races and a full slate of turf races?

Yes, Turf races will be moved to the inner turf after the running of this year’s King’s Plate on Saturday August 16^th.  The E.P. Taylor turf course is world renowned and known as of the premier turf courses within the sport of horse racing. While we know that losing racing on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course isn’t ideal; Woodbine has determined that maintenance is required and that the installation of a new drainage system will benefit Woodbine racing in the future.  The inner turf course will take responsibility for all turf racing including stakes.

5. The HBPA Ontario is dedicated to keeping up communication with its members and for getting them involved with their HBPA. This year you unveiled a new website that has done just that - tell us about what is on the site and why is it important to you to engage your members?

Over the years, the HBPA has tried serval avenues to engage and communicate with our members. Through our monthly memos, joining several social media channels and/or through our website we try to keep members up to date.   

This website is very interactive for our members, owners and trainers, along with their workers. We have connected this site to all our social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram and now TikTok) so our members will always be up to date no matter where they follow us.  We have a section designated to individuals looking to become owners.  Here we have information on how to get involved, the types of ownership available, and of course some of the most frequently asked questions. Individuals can also complete the New Owners form and Executive Director Steve Lym will be in touch to answer any further questions. We also have a Groups and members section where those involved in the industry can chat with one another, share stories from the past or for those trainers looking for workers there is an area to post job opportunities.

We also have a section with all forms available to those enrolled in our Medical/Dental Plan, Pension Plan or for individuals who would like to apply for one of our many programs Educational Assistance, Benevolence, Trainers Testing and Bill’s of Sale.  Then under our News/Media section you will be able to read all the latest news, watch live racing or if you missed a race, you could watch the replay.  As you can see there is lots on our website, and we welcome everyone to come have a look www.hbpa-ontario.com

6. On a personal level, you have a small stable of horses trained by Evette Chartrand Hoek. You sent to the King's Plate last year with Friendly Ghost who was 3rd in the Plate Trial. Will he be returning in 2025? Do have any 2-year-olds for this year?

Yes, I am very lucky to have Evette. She is the consummate trainer and horseperson, all about the welfare and success of the horse. She has a long history in horseracing and the best kept secret on the backside.

Friendly Ghost worked a half the other day so we will soon see him in the entries. I bought 3 yearlings from the CTHS sale last year and they are progressing. As you know, patience is the key with babies but one of them is showing some maturity and will be another horse in the barn with a silly name related to a family matter. I’m fortunate to have great family support and interest in the horses.

There is nothing more exciting than watching your horse win a race.