Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by $5.7 million, according to a press release from the racetrack on Wednesday afternoon.
The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets. The upcoming 2025 season kicks off on Saturday, Apr. 26 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 14.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the HBPA that increases purses for our racing community, even as the industry continues to face significant challenges and headwinds,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment.
“Reaching an agreement allows our horse people to plan and move forward,” said HBPA President Sue Leslie. “The 128 racing days and the purse increase provides needed stability for our members and while there is always more work to be done, we believe that this is a necessary and positive step forward for racing in Ontario.”
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