Racing in Canada

Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by $5.7 million, according to a press release from the racetrack on Wednesday afternoon. The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets. The upcoming 2025 season kicks off on Saturday, Apr. 26 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 14. "We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the HBPA that increases purses...

Purses and breeders' incentives in Alberta will get a boost this year as a result of higher-than-expected revenues, Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) announced Tuesday. HRA is recommending a $400,000 increase to the 2024 purse allocation and a $120,000 increase to the 2024 Breed Incentive Program (BIP). The proposal was approved by the HRA Board of Directors on May 24. "We are excited to share this good news with the Alberta horse racing industry," said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta. "Purses in 2024 will be increased by...