Ken Morden of Oak Knoll Stables has informed Trot Insider that he and Caroline Thornton have come to the tough decision to disperse their Campbellcroft, Ont. breeding operation effective today (Jan. 13).
“Effective Monday, January 13, our five broodmares and four yearlings are being put up for sale,” Morden told Trot Insider, adding that Claude Brault will be handling the dispersal.
“For a boutique operation like ours, it is impossible for us to make money, let alone break even, unless we are at capacity (10 broodmares) and the prices for the yearlings are high enough to recover costs,” Morden explained. “This has not been the case for the past year and a half. We were the second highest consignor at Forest City in 2012, and a year later – with the same mares and more than 50 per cent Ontario-bred yearlings – we were one of the lowest. We decided to sell our 2013 crop privately and that has improved our finances but not enough.”
Morden told Trot Insider that the Ontario Liberals’ decision to move away from the Slots at Racetracks Program is the reason why Oak Knoll Stables is shutting down its breeding operation.
“The decision by the Liberals to shut down the SAR Program with only a one year notice has been disastrous for us,” Morden said. “We will no longer be spending money on feed, farriers and hay, and we will no longer be able to keep our good, hardworking, honest staff to help us run the farm.”
Either the Liberals don't get
Either the Liberals don't get it or my guess is, that they just don't give a damn. The fact that they are decimating the horse industry and literally "chasing" investment out of the Province doesn't seem to deter them from carrying on with their ill-fated plan to "modernize" the gambling strategy in Ontario. What irks me the most..... is that politicians don't have to suffer the consequences of their decisions. I sympathize with Ken and Caroline who have invested heavily in breeding stock, infrastructure, etc. and wish them all the best. This is another clear example of more good, dedicated people leaving our industry. My advice to Kathleen Wynne is..... re-instate the SARP, IMMEDIATELY and save what is left of an already devastated industry brought on by the mistakes of this Liberal gov't.
There has not been a classier
There has not been a classier or better intentioned breeder in the sport than Oak Knoll has been. We are saddened by Ken and Carol's decision. Time is running out for some dramatic and substantive actions to retain any breeder of quality. We can only thank these high quality people for the contributions that they have made and hope that some day the conditions will once again attract them to re-enter the industry.
I hope these Liberals will
I hope these Liberals will never-ever get any pull in Canadian politics ever again.I was pure Liberal my whole life.Never again would I vote Liberal and Oak Knoll just reaffirmed it for me.Sorry guys and I hope the future is bliss.God Bless
A farm that tried to raise
A farm that tried to raise quality horses the best way possible. A large investment in Ontario agriculture. An employer. A farm that added trickle down economics. Another business lost by Liberal politics. Where are the standardbreds needed to race in Ontario in the future going to come from? Best of luck in the future Carolyn & Ken.
More evidence of a job well
More evidence of a job well done by the Panel in waiting out for more industry disasters. Another major investment by another breeding farm that trusted a Government agreement that was to keep the racing industry thriving is now gone by the way side. More fatal blows to local farmers, vets, blacksmiths, feedmills etc....... and not to mention more unemployment with the impact on families
Yet the Liberals and the infamous Panel have the audacity to keep sputtering about how Ontario will be a forefront in harness racing in North America!!!!!!
How in Gods creation is this panel and Government entrusted to ruin and play with peoples lives? They need to go to pasture with early retirement.
First off, good luck in your
First off, good luck in your future endeavors,Ken and Caroline! Reading these ongoing tragedies hitting our once vibrant standardbred breeders, being cast in the role of collateral damage breaks my heart! Collateral damage is a military term! What is it doing in the horse breeders arena??? I am looking at 2 very different scenarios regarding the Ontario economy! Without any consultation the SARP program was cancelled! Why? Apparently it was too successful as a partnership where every participant enjoyed a win, win and thousands could contribute to the economy and enjoy the fruits of their labors! The biggest winner was the Ontario government, not only with their share of the profits amounting to more than a billion dollars plus each and every year! This action has put somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 working citizens onto the unemployment lines for no logical reason! These jobs were not minimum wage occupations, however these folks are experts at what they do but are questionable candidates for retraining so most will go from working and contributing to the economy to the depths of starvation and end up on welfare or unemployment. Is this the Canadian way of doing business? It appears to be the case here in Ontario!
Another sad day in Ontario!
Another sad day in Ontario! Liberals slowly killing off the horse racing industry in Ontario....and continue with their promises, promises integrating with the OLG...what a joke! That is their way out will it ever materialize?
These were very nice people and employed several people. I really don't believe the Liberal government realized the impact cutting the slot revenue would have. People are leaving Ontario like flies....it is so sad to see most of the good horses too are gone to the US for more lucrative purses understandably. And so the slow death of Harness Racing continues in Ontario which farm is next!!!
Oak Knoll has been a first
Oak Knoll has been a first class operation. Ken and Caroline are friends of mine. I'm toing to miss them and their operation. Fortunately, I own a share of an OK 2 year-old pacing filly and I'm hoping for big things from her.
Another sad day for Ontario
Another sad day for Ontario harness racing. I have been to Oak Knoll several times and can attest that Caroline and Ken run a first class operation. Their love for the industry is written all over their farm. Just another notch in the handle of the Liberal pistol.
OAK KNOLL has produced some
OAK KNOLL has produced some quality yearlings. It is unfortunate that they can't go on but understandable. I wish you the best.
Georg Leber-ICR Racing
Caroline and Ken, I am so
Caroline and Ken,
I am so sorry to hear that you have been forced into this corner by the Liberal Government. It's a sad day when people like yourself who love your horses and who bring such a reputable and good name to the industry are forced to close their doors. I personally know of your love for your horses as I adopted OK Chaos and I along with my family love him dearly. The care and love he received at your farm from birth until I adopted shows in his good manners and well rounded personality. The racing industry will not be the same without new OK horses on the track. Oak Knoll Stables will be dearly missed xxxx I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Another one bites the dust.
Another one bites the dust. Sad but understandable. It's tough to hang on for so long. So sorry to see Oak Knoll leaving the breeding industry but they aren't the first and won't be the last thanks to McGuinty and company.
Thank you Fiberals for
Thank you Fiberals for killing our wonderful Standardbred Operations.