Six weeks before Honeysuckle starting April 22, the track and the Horsemen’s Benevolent Defense Association of Ontario have yet to reach the terms of a new agreement.
In a release on March 11, Woodbine said it was also exploring a new race schedule with the goal of maximizing bets by hosting more races in the fall and on two weekends. of the race—The King’s Plate and Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1).
Michael Copeland, Woodbine’s president of commercials, said: “As has been communicated to our breeders over the past few months, we strongly believe that we can optimize our racing schedule. . “Reducing some race days at the start of the season and holding more of them in the fall, when our horse supply is stronger, will drive up betting, which will benefit the entire race.” branch.”
The track and Ontario’s HBPA have acknowledged race day as an obstacle in their negotiations. Ontario’s HBPA also addressed wallets as an issue in a statement that went viral on social media Saturday afternoon.
“Unfortunately, after some reasonable concessions on the part of HBPA, we were unable to reach an agreement. The HBPA Board of Directors and negotiating committee members informed Woodbine that the membership of the HBPA We strongly oppose the loss of any approved 133-day racing calendar for 2023,” the statement read.
Woodbine said in the release that it does not expect the disagreement with Ontario’s HBPA to have any impact on the 2023 race season.
Ontario’s HBPA states that recent emails sent by Woodbine “regarding race days, including staking schedules, condition books, cuts made to Ontario and Ontario wallet bonuses, (( was) not shared or discussed with HBPA, as has been the historical practice and is a requirement under our current agreement.”
“While unfortunately we were unable to reach a new agreement with the HBPA, we will continue to work with our governing bodies and racing community to ensure an enjoyable racing season at Woodbine. ,” Copeland said.
“The HBPA Negotiating Committee stands ready to continue its dialogue with (Woodbine) if they contact us,” the HBPA statement added.
The Woodbine season includes 39 graded stakes and the return of the Canadian International (G1T), running at a new 1 1/4 mile on grass. According to Woodbine, CA$62 million will be offered, remaining at the same level as last season.
This summer will also feature the opening of the $1 billion Canadian Great Canada Leisure Resort Casino on Woodbine’s property. The resort will feature a state-of-the-art Vegas-style casino, integrated 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, and multiple on-site dining options. The resort is expected to attract 12 million visitors annually, with Woodbine saying it hopes to introduce horse racing to a new audience.
