Applications to vary the 1st quarter of the 2013 race date schedule have been received by the Ontario Racing Commission and are currently being reviewed by the Implementation and Monitoring (IM) Group of the Ontario Racing Program (ORP). The IM Group will form its recommendation to the Director guided by the principles of the ORP.

On December 4th, the IM Group invited the applicants and any respective horsepeople’s associations to its meeting to discuss the submissions. The exchange of ideas was very informative and all parties participated in an open and frank manner about the rationale for their position or concerns, given the current circumstances.

To help formulate its recommendations to the Director, the IM Group is seeking public input on the proposed variances. Unfortunately due to the time constraints, the period for public input will be very short. To be considered, public comment on the applications must be received by December 9, 2012. Submissions can be faxed to (416) 213-7827 or emailed inquiry@ontarioracingcommission.ca

In summary, the applications are as follows:

January 1 through March 31, 2013 Woodbine Racetrack Drop Thursdays (4 days a week to 3 days a week)

Western Fair Drop Wednesdays (4 days a week to 3 days a week)

Flamboro Downs Drop Wednesdays and Thursdays (5 days a week to 3 days a week)

Georgian Downs Drop all five days in the 1st Quarter

Rideau Carleton Drop 3 Fridays in March

Further information on the Applications by individual tracks is available on the ORC by clicking here and scrolling down.