Woodbine, HBPA announce four-year racing deal

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA) jointly announced Sunday an agreement in principle for a new four-year racing deal. It includes an increase of $22 million allocated to guarantee purses and capital investment in Thoroughbred racing.

“Reaching this agreement in principle, before the end of the 2018 meet, demonstrates the strength of our relationship with the HBPA and our collective commitment to provide world-class racing opportunities to Ontario horsepeople,” said Jim Lawson, president and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment.

“We look forward to welcoming back our loyal horsepeople for another exciting Thoroughbred season in April 2019 as we continue to grow our sport throughout the province.”

HBPA president Sue Leslie said the agreement brings clarity to horsemen for the next four years.

“It is our hope that this agreement will provide confidence and assure our members that the HBPA has and will continue to work closely with Woodbine to ensure that horse racing has a long, sustainable future,” Leslie said.

The agreement, which runs through 2022, includes $18 million allocated toward total guaranteed purses.

“The purse commitment made by Woodbine provides a significant bump in purses for the first year of the new agreement, with continued growth throughout the deal,” said Jonathan Zammit, Woodbine’s vice president of Thoroughbred racing operations.

The previous agreement was set to expire in March.

The 2019 Thoroughbred racing season will consist of 133 race dates, beginning on April 20 and running through December 15.