Hayes Elected Ontario Racing Chairman

John Hayes was unanimously elected the Independent Chairman of the Board of Ontario Racing, a non-profit horse racing industry association recognized by the provincial government as the authority for horseracing in Ontario. Hayes has over 25 years of experience as a Standardbred race horse owner. He previously served as Gaming Director with Ontario Lottery and Gaming, with operational responsibilities at Georgian Downs, Ajax Downs, Grand River Raceway, Woodbine and other racetracks across the province. He most recently served as an At-Large Director of Ontario Racing.
“I am honoured to be appointed to the Independent Chair of Ontario Racing,” said Hayes. “I have a passion for horse racing and am confident in the direction and approach of Ontario Racing. I look forward to working with the industry's diverse group of stakeholders to create a sustainable future for the sport in Ontario.”
In addition to Hayes, there are 10 seats, five from industry associations and five from racetracks, on Ontario Racing's Board of Directors.
Bill O'Donnell (President, COSA, on behalf of Standardbred Horsepeople), Sue Leslie (President, HBPA, on behalf of Thoroughbred Horsepeople), Bob Broadstock (President, Quarter Horse Racing Owners of Ontario, on behalf of Quarter Horse Horsepeople), Walter Parkinson (President, SBOA, on behalf of Standardbred Breeders) and Bernard McCormack (President, Cara Bloodstock, on behalf of Thoroughbred Breeders) will represent the Associations on the board.
Jim Lawson (CEO, Woodbine Entertainment, on behalf, of Premier Thoroughbred Racetracks), Jim Thibert (CEO, Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium, on behalf of Signature Thoroughbred Racetracks), Jessica Buckley (President, Woodbine Mohawk Park, on behalf of Premier Standardbred Racetracks), Hugh Mitchell (President, Western Fair District, on behalf of Signature Standardbred Racetracks) and Ian Fleming (General Manager, Clinton Raceway, on behalf of Grassroots Standardbred Racetracks) will represent the racetracks.