The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) has issued a response to Woodbine’s announcement earlier this week about changes to the Ontario Sired program:
Many of you are by now aware of a release made by WEG regarding revisions to the 2016 Thoroughbred racing program/Ontario Sires progeny program. The CTHS Ontario had no participation in the construction of these changes and was only advised of them very recently.
The following is a summary of the position of the CTHS Ontario Board of Directors:
• A letter was sent by the CTHS on 1/26/16 to WEG expressing our grave concerns about the direction they were taking and requested immediate dialogue. Both parties have subsequently agreed to a meeting in the very near future.
• The CTHS unanimously opposes the changes to the Ontario Sired Races as proposed.
• While unfortunate, the CTHS understands the need to reduce the Ontario Sired bonus percentages, as OSS progeny earnings have exceeded estimates.
• The CTHS letter also expressed our disappointment in the complete lack of consultation by our breeders into these changes in the racing program. There is no justification not to include breeders (clearly major stakeholders) in these negotiations, which so clearly affect our livelihood and economic viability.
• A request has been made for a meeting with the HPBA to further discuss the issues above. It is anticipated that this will take place very shortly.
The CTHS remains steadfast in the preservation of a strong OSS program going forward and will continue to represent the provinces breeders to the best of our abilities.
We will keep the membership advised of any progress.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
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