The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) unveiled the 2008 Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP), following approval of the Ontario Racing Commission. Valued at $9.6 million, the TIP includes increases in breeders award distributions, overnight stakes races, and the introduction of a new OSS stakes award program.
Highlights of this year’s TIP include a $3.18 million breeders awards program, representing a 7.8% increase from last year; an increase in the annual breeders awards cap to $85,000 for each eligible breeder; and the offering of eight overnight stakes for registered Ontario-breds at Woodbine Racetrack, which are valued at $95,000 each, up from the five offered last year.
New for 2008 is the introduction of an OSS Awards Program totaling $120,000. This program will be distributing awards to the breeders of our top OSS horses racing in Ontario.
“We’re very pleased with this year’s Thoroughbred Improvement Program, where we are continuing with the trend to further support our Registered Ontario-Breds with more incentives, and at the same time, keep our purse allocations on a consistently, competitive basis,” said Julie Coulter, general manager of the Ontario CTHS. “We’re especially excited about the new Ontario Sire Stakes Awards Program, which will no doubt further support the racing excellence and marketability of our Ontario-sired foals.”