As part of the plan to distribute $2.5 million in stranded Standardbred purse funds, Ontario Racing (OR) is pleased to announce that the 8.9 percent increase over 12 months to all Ontario Signature Standardbred race cards -- as well as Rideau Carleton Raceway -- will commence on October 1. This will enhance race card purses by an average of $5,316. All Grassroots racetracks will see their purse enhancements launch at the start of the 2018 race season, with race card purses increasing an average of $3,101.
The fund distribution plan will span over a 12-month period to maximize the impact of the increase. The money will directly support Standardbred track purses, the area of horse racing in which most participants earn their living.
While the purse structure at Signature and Grassroots racetracks is consistent, the experience in the actual classes filled at each track, somewhat seasonally driven, can be different. This will lead to slightly different per race average overnight purses, and these variances are assumed in the distribution model.
This commitment is consistent with direction from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and agreed to by OR and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
(with files from OR)