Harness racing is a vibrant sport, dynamic business, and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario.

There are many different players within the industry, including: horse breeders, owners, trainers, caretakers, drivers, veterinarians & equine health researchers, blacksmiths, and alternative equine therapy practitioners (ie: chiropractors, massage therapists, etc.).

Behind the scenes, there are a wide range of positions which all contribute to the production and presentation of harness racing, including: judges, testing analysis technicians, broadcast crews, writers, photographers, mutuel sellers, racecourse engineering & maintenance, and various administrative roles within racetracks and trade associations.

The most important contributors to harness racing are the thousands of dedicated fans worldwide who share our adoration of the horses, love for the sport and thrill of the game!

Economic Impact

Harness racing is a year-round sport, with both live racing in the province and simulcast racing brought in from other jurisdictions.

Today, the Ontario horse racing industry is hi-tech, a vibrant partner in the entertainment business. It combines slot machines with live racing, receives and transmits racing signals to/from the rest of the world, and wagers are accepted over the telephone and internet and are made into many teletheatres managed by the industry at several locations outside the tracks.

The horse racing industry is the third largest agricultural sector in Ontario , in terms of expenditure.

This agricultural based industry is helping to increase and diversify the tourism, entertainment and export economic base of Ontario .

It generates $1 billion annually in spending on goods and services in Ontario . On a per dollar basis, every dollar of expenditure in this industry results in $1.22 in wages, interest, rent and profits.

The horse racing industry directly generates over 17,000 jobs in the province, with many in rural areas.

As well, the industry indirectly contributes to the formation of another 20,900 jobs, for an industry total of 37,900. This employment is in terms of full-time equivalents which means that there are many more persons employed since the industry has many part-time positions.

RESOURCES

◊ For more info about the economic impacts of Ontario horse racing:
• OHRIA

◊ For more info about harness racing and horse ownership:
• Standardbred Canada
• Own A Horse
• Ontario Racing Commission
• Ontario Sires Stakes
• Ontario SBOA
• OHHA
• Online Harness Owner