Woodbine, Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario reach two-year deal
Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario have reached an agreement for a new two-year deal that commits $62 million in purses for both the 2023 and 2024 Thoroughbred racing meets.
The deal also includes a 133-day schedule this year and 129-day meet in 2024. Despite the fewer dates in 2024, Woodbine expects the number of races offered to be about the same as in 2023 thanks to more optimized race scheduling.
The 2023 meet begins April 22. The 2024 meet has a start date of April 20.
“We are pleased to reach this new agreement with the HBPA so we can now collectively focus our energy on the incredible season of Thoroughbred racing that lies ahead,” Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson said. “Over the last few years, our industry came together through difficult times and put forward a world-class racing product that continues to grow globally. Now, with a new agreement with the HBPA, and the exciting and transformative initiatives happening around the track, we are poised for one of the most exciting racing seasons in our storied history and can’t wait to get started.”
As part of the agreement, Woodbine Entertainment also is continuing a contribution of $300,000 to the HBPA in each year of the deal for improving working benefits and conditions for those working on the backstretch.
“We are also pleased to come to an agreement with Woodbine Entertainment so we can work together and in partnership for the betterment of horse people and the industry,” HBPA president Sue Leslie said. “There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to grow our sport in the coming years and that is best achieved by working together, shoulder to shoulder. We believe Woodbine Entertainment is committed to this partnership. We look forward to this renewed partnership and are equally excited to open the starting gates on April 22.”
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