Toronto, ON – February 17, 2021 – In the spirit of Stronger Together, the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) (CTHS), Ontario Racing Management (ORM) and Woodbine Entertainment (Woodbine) announced today that they have reached an agreement which includes the CTHS forming an industry relations sub-committee of its Board of Directors.
This new CTHS Industry Relations Sub-Committee (IRSC), will include representation from the CTHS, ORM and Woodbine with a mandate to work together for the betterment of the entire industry. Initial members of IRSC include Peter Berringer (President (Ont) and National Vice President, CTHS), members of the CTHS Board of Directors, Tom Via (Chief Operating Officer, Woodbine Entertainment) and Jonathan Zammit (Executive Director, Ontario Racing Management).
As part of the agreement, the CTHS will be provided administrative office space that has been relocated to the paddock at the west-end of Woodbine Racetrack. The 2021 CTHS Yearling and Winter Mixed Sale will be held in the Sales Pavilion on the Woodbine Backstretch (subject to the latest government restrictions regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic) later this year.
Quotes:
Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment
“This is another constructive step as part of our concerted effort to foster positive, working relationships across the horse racing industry that is critical for the advancement of our sport. We firmly believe that our industry is much stronger together and we are hopeful this is a first step towards evolving a working relationship with the CTHS.”
Jonathan Zammit, Executive Director, Ontario Racing Management
“Breeding is such a critical ingredient of a vibrant horse racing industry and this establishes a new forum to manage important issues and collaborate on ideas intended to benefit the industry as a whole, its participants and the tens of thousands of jobs it supports across the province.”
Peter Berringer, President (Ont) and National Vice President, CTHS
“This is positive news for the industry and especially for the Breeders of Ontario being acknowledged as a vital industry partner. On behalf of the CTHS, I would like to thank Woodbine Entertainment and Ontario Racing Management for their support and efforts towards reaching this new agreement which we hope will benefit the entire industry and horse people throughout the province.”
Woodbine Press Release