Rideau Carleton: Live racing ends prior to 2026 meet

Following extensive discussions with Ontario Racing, which represents Ontario's horse racing industry, Rideau Carleton Raceway has announced the conclusion of its racing program starting with the 2026 season.

Rideau Carleton Raceway has hosted some of the province's most prestigious harness races and has played a meaningful role in supporting eastern Ontario's racing community.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has operated three race seasons under sole ownership. Despite investing millions of dollars to rebuild the racing paddock and upgrade legacy infrastructure to better serve racing patrons, the long-term sustainability of the racing program could not be achieved.

"We made significant investments in racing infrastructure and adjusted our operations multiple times over the last three years; however, a sustainable path forward was not possible," said Christine Crump, President Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. "Many of us hold deep respect and fond memories of the racing industry, but consumer preferences have changed. This is a sad time for our team members, the horse racing community and all those directly impacted. Racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway will always be remembered as an important chapter in the site's history."

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All Rideau Carleton Raceway team members that are directly impacted by this decision are being offered alternative employment opportunities within the organization, along with any necessary skills training to support career transitions.

"Ontario Racing encourages the Ottawa area horsepeople to continue racing in Ontario at any of the 11 Standardbred racetracks. To help ease this transition, a portion of the funding traditionally provided to Rideau Carleton Raceway will be used to establish a relocation support program, while the balance of funding will go back into purses for live horse racing at other Ontario Standardbred racetracks," said Andrew Gaughan, Independent Chair of Ontario Racing. "We are thankful to OLG and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming for the long-term financial support provided to Rideau Carleton Raceway and Ontario's entire breeding and horse racing industry."

In the coming days, Ontario Racing will announce transitional funding for those Standardbred horses that reside in the Rideau Carleton Raceway catchment area and are interested in travelling to southwestern Ontario to continue racing.

--press release (Ontario Racing)--