AJAX DOWNS 2009 – The beginning of an era…..

2009 has been a very challenging year; the quarter racing industry faced new challenges with the opening of the new track surface, the gate crew and the 35 day race season. You all should be commended for providing another year of exceptional growth in all categories.
 

In 2009 we saw:

Purses increase to $4.4 million dollars Horse population grew to 448 (an increase of 25%) Number of starts increased to 2542 (an increase of 31%) Number of owners increased to 124 (an increase of 24%) Number of trainers increased to 46 (an increase of 40%) Number of jockeys increased to 26 (an increase of 37%)

Our season ended on Sunday October 18, 2009. The richest day in quarter horse racing in Canada with over $375,000 in purses, 3 stakes including the inaugural running of the Ontario Jackpot Futurity.

The QROOI in conjunction with the Ontario Racing Commission and Strategic Equine developed many new and exciting programs for the quarter horse racing sector in 2009. They include the Groom One program, Rider scholarship program, New Owner seminars and the implementation of a Group Health program which contains significant savings and subsidies for quarter horse licensees. The QROOI has also secured the support of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Harness Horse Association and Ajax Downs management for their quest to have the cap on slot machine revenues removed to ensure that Ontario Quarter Horse racing will continue to expand and develop into one of the most exciting industries in North America.

The Ontario Racing Commission, Ajax Downs and the QROOI have proposed to the ORC board a racing program for 2010 that will include 40 race days, purses in excess of $5.5 million dollars, a new Ontario Sired bonus, the development of an overnight stakes program and the continuation of a very successful stakes program and breeder awards program.

 We all look forward to seeing you in 2010…..