New Ontario-Sired Stakes Series in 2021

Ontario Racing and its Thoroughbred Improvement Program Committee announced March 18 the unveiling of the Ontario Sire Heritage Series, an exciting new eight-leg stakes series open to Ontario-sired 3-year-olds, to be run this year at Woodbine and Fort Erie racetracks.

With a total purse structure of $750,000, the Heritage Series will feature four races—three opening legs and one final—for both 3-year-old colts and 3-year-old fillies that are sustained to the Ontario Sires Stakes program.

"It is crucial to maintain a strong and vibrant Ontario-sired stakes program," said John Hayes, independent chair for Ontario Racing. "This exciting series offers owners and trainers a great opportunity to showcase their sophomore stars in races with significant purses."

Commencing July 30 and offering three $80,000 preliminary legs per race, per division, to be contested at various distances and over four surfaces—Woodbine's Tapeta, E.P. Taylor Turf Course, and Inner Turf Course, and Fort Erie's main dirt track—the Heritage Series will conclude with a pair of $100,000 finals for both divisions on Nov. 19 at Woodbine Racetrack (see schedule below).

Bonuses totaling $70,000 ($35,000 for each division, details below) will be paid to the connections of the top three horses per division at the conclusion of the series.

"This new series will be a great complement to Woodbine's world-class 2021 Thoroughbred racing calendar," said Jim Lawson, CEO of  Woodbine Entertainment. "In addition to the 10 Ontario-sired stakes on the calendar, this new eight-leg series supports Ontario breeders, owners, and racehorses while providing a new series for fans and bettors to follow."

"Fort Erie is thrilled to play host to a pair of great events as part of the Heritage Series," said Tom Valiquette, CFO with Fort Erie Racetrack. "We are proud to highlight and celebrate Ontario-sired Thoroughbred talent, and help promote the significant contributions of breeders and owners to our industry."

"The Heritage Series is a direct result of the Thoroughbred Improvement Program Committee of Ontario Racing working diligently to provide local owners and breeders with opportunities to showcase their Ontario Sired horses," said Sue Leslie, Ontario Racing board member, and HBPA president. "The series will no doubt draw great interest from horsepeople, while also highlighting Ontario Sired talent."

The points structure for the Ontario Sired Heritage Stakes series does not require horses to start in all four legs to be eligible, bonus points and series bonus points are revocable in the event of a disqualification, and series bonus points will be prorated in the event of a disqualification. The point system will award 10 points for first, seven points for second, five points for third, three points for fourth, two points for fifth, and one point for sixth. Points will be prorated in the event of a dead heat. Points are awarded to the individual horse.

The breakdown of bonuses ($70,000 in total for both divisions) for most points accumulated throughout the series for each division will go as follows: $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place.

Bonus will be paid to the winning owner of record (for the top three horses that accumulate the most points throughout the series) Nov. 19, 2021.