OHHA Update – Fighting to Help Keep Racing Alive

The fight to keep horse racing alive continues.  Our Queen’s Park rally (February 22^nd) was very successful and we thank all of you who joined that day, from all across Ontario, in the effort to bring our message home.  According to Queen’s Park Security over 500 people attended the rally and we were able to dispel the notion that our portion of the slot revenue is a “subsidy”.  It is not an exaggeration to say that we are fighting for our livelihoods and – judging by the members’ passion as expressed at the rally – we will not take any attempt to destroy our industry lying down.

The rally directly resulted in unprecedented coverage by media outlets such as:  Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, CBC, CTV, CHCH, Global and City TV.  Radio coverage was extensive; a number of live interviews with Brian Tropea, OHHA’s General Manager, were conducted and aired.  

We had opportunities to educate the public about the devastating effect reneging of the Slots-at-Racetracks agreement with the Provincial Government will have on horse racing in Ontario.  We all remember the day that Ontario’s Finance Minister, Dwight Duncan, announced the government could possibly cancel the $345 million our industry receives.

Recently we have met with members of the Progressive Conservative Party as well as numerous members of the New Democratic Party who strongly support us in our efforts to keep horse racing alive.  

Our next major event is a “Lobby Day”, scheduled for March 21, 2012, and during that day an OHHA delegation will be meeting with MPPs from all parties to further inform them about the importance of keeping our industry alive.

We encourage all who are involved in the industry to express your concerns to your member of Provincial Government; it is very important to have your voice heard. 

This week is constituency week, so all MPPs should be available in their home ridings should you wish to schedule a meeting.  The importance of all segments of this great industry working together cannot be emphasized enough.