Woodbine, HBPA of Ontario Without New Agreement

Six weeks before the Woodbine meet begins April 22, the track and the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association of Ontario have not yet come to terms on a new agreement.

In a release issued March 11, Woodbine said it is also exploring a new racing schedule with a goal of maximizing wagering by running more races in the fall and on its two marquee weekends for The King's Plate and Woodbine Mile (G1T).

"As conveyed to our horse people over the past several months, we strongly believe we can optimize our racing calendar," said Michael Copeland, president, commercial for Woodbine. "Reducing a handful of race dates at the start of the season and running many of those races in the fall, when our horse supply is stronger, will drive increased wagering which will benefit the entire industry."

The track and the HBPA of Ontario have acknowledged race dates as an obstacle in their negotiations. The HBPA of Ontario also mentioned purses as an issue in a statement distributed on social media Saturday afternoon. 

"Regrettably, after several reasonable concessions on the HBPA's part, we have not been able to reach an agreement. The HBPA board and negotiation committee members have conveyed to Woodbine that our membership strongly objects to losing any of the approved 133-day racing calendar for 2023," the statement read.

Woodbine said in its release it does not expect the disagreement with the HBPA of Ontario to have any impact on the 2023 racing season.

The HBPA of Ontario claims that recent emails sent out by Woodbine "regarding race days, including the stakes schedule, condition book, cuts made to the Ontario-sired and Ontario-bred purses bonuses, (were) not shared or discussed with the HBPA, as has been historical practice and a requirement under our current agreement."

"While it is unfortunate that we haven't been able to reach a new agreement with the HBPA, we will continue to work with our regulators and our horse racing community to ensure an exciting season of racing at Woodbine," Copeland said.

"The HBPA negotiation committee stands ready to continue conversations with (Woodbine) should they contact us," the HBPA statement added.

The Woodbine season includes 39 graded stakes and the return of the Canadian International (G1T), run at a new distance of 1 1/4 miles on turf. According to Woodbine, CA$62 million in purses will be offered, remaining at the same level as last season.

This summer will also feature the opening of the CA$1 billion Great Canadian Entertainment Resort Casino Toronto on the Woodbine property. The resort will feature a modern 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 stating it hopes to expose horse racing to a new audience.