For good reason anxiety in the equine sector continues despite their being talk of a new model to replace the Slots At Race Tracks Program (SARP).  An edited version of the recommendations from the expert panel to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been released and provides good perspective on direction but as it is edited (to exclude any specifics on actual $$ for the various elements) it is not fully clear; and of course, it is not yet approved.

As I have written before,  the elimination of the SARP which could lead to departure/disappearance of some currently successful horse farms/operation is very critical for King:  the economic impact including all the “feeder” businesses; the loss of employment; the loss of productive uses of the land.

A couple strategic perspectives from this new edited report; you can read it all here.

“The panel concluded that a viable, world-class industry requires public investment, though substantially less than the industry has received from SARP.”   “The panel has scanned the global equine sector and cannot find a single example of a viable racehorse industry that does not depend on some form of public support.”

“The current Ontario offering often fails to meet the expectations of horseplayers, both domestic and international……The panel proposes a new Sustainable Horse Racing Model that will address these deficiencies and support growth.”

“Our final recommendation is to underline the urgency in beginning the transformation of the Ontario horse racing industry. While the industry has been patient with the panel during the development of this report, we are aware of the need to implement the new Sustainable Horse Racing Model immediately. The racing sector is literally crumbling as we write.”

The final comment is not hyperbole.  I am aware of one very sophisticated breeding operation ceasing operation.    I have been told by many of the significant drop in prices realized at the fall auctions.

The expert panels report have provided good insight into why status quo should not be maintained;  I can only hope that the the blueprint for the future will not be doomed because it is too late.