Welcome to our website!

The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association is a not-for-profit association which has put into place the conditions necessary for the racing community to establish more secure business enterprises, to create jobs, and to re-invest in and revitalize the harness racing industry in this National Capital Region.

The NCRHHA strives to improve the quality of racing in this region, as well as the conditions under which that racing is conducted. We recognize that you, our members and stakeholders, are central to this industry and are the very reason we exist. We commit to continue working on your behalf to resolve the day-to-day challenges that face harness racing. To succeed we need your input, your support, your thoughts and ideas and your participation.

News

Posted May 14, 2012
NCRHHA Plans Q & A Session

Additional information is here . (revised)
Posted May 14, 2012
Notice to the Industry - OSS Nomination Forms Deadline Extended

Click here for the direct link.
Posted May 10, 2012
Photos uploaded to Google

The awards photos for 2007 and the 2009 banquets have been uploaded to Google.
Posted April 26,2012
Message to the Industry from OHRIA – April 25, 2012

I wanted to send you an update on our efforts to work with all three parties at Queen's Park to find a sustainable way forward for the Ontario horse racing and breeding industry in light of the government's cancellation of the Slots at Racetracks Program.

OHRIA has been engaged in discussion with senior government officials and opposition party members for more than two months now and while news that these efforts have resulted in some transitional funding, as confirmed by Budget 2012, we do not believe this is sufficient to support or sustain our industry.

There is still a lot of work and effort to be done to ensure that there is a go forward model that is fair to horsepeople, breeders and the racetracks. This is a key aspect that OHRIA will continue to work towards in any future agreement.

OHRIA continues to work diligently with representatives from the government, opposition parties, OLG and industry participants to find a resolution to ensure horse racing and breeding can continue to provide thousands of Ontarians with employment, drive local rural economies and provide the public with the entertainment they derive from visiting Ontario’s racetracks.

The passage of Budget 2012 does not provide our industry with all the tools we need, however I want to assure you that conversations are ongoing and OHRIA remains committed to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the horse racing and breeding industry in Ontario is preserved for the long-term.
Sincerely,

Sue Leslie
President - OHRIA
416 679 0741
http://value4money.ca
Posted April 19, 2012
Crisis in Ontario's horse racing sector - The Canadian Sportsman (April 19th edition)

To view the special section (pdf), click here .
Posted April 16, 2012
Save Racing Notice

Click here to read the pdf.
Posted April 9, 2012
John McHale Passes

Peacefully, after a long struggle with cancer on the afternoon of April 7, 2012 at the age of 63. A devoted family man, he was the loving husband of Corinne. Proud father of his daughter Tracy, and his son James John (Tatiana). Beloved brother of Edward (Leslie) and Donald (Patricia). John will be missed but his life will be celebrated by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. John was a horse owner and racing enthusiast. He had horses with horsemen such as Keith Waples and Mac Hamilton as well as his brother Ed. John was also the former owner of the Windsor Spit Fires. He lived a wonderful life and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home 585 Somerset Street (Centretown) Tuesday, April 10, 2012 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Wednesday to Saint Patrick's Basilica (Nepean and Kent) for Mass of Christian Funeral at 9:30 a.m. Interment Capital Memorial Gardens. In Memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Perth-Smith Falls District Hospital are appreciated.
Posted April 5, 2012
Congratulations

Congratulations to the Ottawa Colts Hockey Team headed by John MacDonald on their second place finish in the Flamboro hockey tournament.
Posted April 5, 2012
CBC Ottawa Radio Interview with John MacMillan

Rideau Carleton Raceway On Notice
Is horse racing becoming a dying breed in the capital? Robyn Bresnhan spoke with John MacMillan a horse owner and racer and the founding director of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association about the province's decision to pull the plug on slots at the Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Click here to hear the interview.
Posted April 5, 2012
Belleville Mayor Letter of Support

Click here to read the letter to Premier McGuinty.
Posted March 30, 2012
Christina Polifroni Scholarship Fund Donation

The NCRHHA is very grateful to JP Arial and his staff at All Sports Photographic for their generous donation to the Christina Polifroni Scholarship Fund. The portrait photos taken at the NCRHHA Awards Banquet on March 10, 2012 were amazing. Everyone was very impressed. The total amount raised was $700.

To view the letter from JP Arial, click here .
Posted March 27, 2012
Thank you

The NCRHHA would like to thank all those who organized and supported the rally at Queen’s Park yesterday. Special kudos to Anthony MacDonald and Brian Tropea for their efforts.

The NCRHHA feels that OHRIA should continue to lead the industry in this charge. The statements made by Mr. Lindsey in no way reflect the opinions of the NCRHHA board and its members.

Sincerely,
NCRHHA Board of Directors
Posted March 26, 2012
2011 Awards Banquet Photos Published

See link at the bottom of the Awards - 2011 page.
Posted March 26, 2012
CTV Ottawa News Covers March at Rideau Carleton Raceway

On Sunday night between the 3rd and 4th races all horsemen at Rideau Carleton Raceway walked the track to the grandstand to protest the suggested removal of the Slots at Racetracks Program. CTV Ottawa News covered the event and interviewed local horsepeople. Please go to http://ottawa.ctv.ca/ (CTV News Video Player) and click on the “Protest at Rideau Carleton Raceway” link to view the aired video.
Posted March 23, 2012
NCRHHA Plans March at Rideau Carleton Raceway – Sunday, March 25, 2012

On Sunday night between the 3rd and 4th races all horsemen at Rideau Carleton Raceway will walk the track to the grandstand to protest the suggested removal of the Slots at Racetracks Program, which was implemented more than a decade ago. This program has allowed the horse racing industry to maintain jobs while providing a solid base in the rural agricultural economy. Any changes to this program will have a significant impact on tens of thousands of real people. Unfortunately, many horsemen are unable to attend the rally at Queens Park on Monday so in an effort to show their solidarity they have planned the Sunday march. NCRHHA Director, John MacMillan will also give a brief televised statement outlining the plight of harness racing. For those of you not able to be at Rideau Sunday night you can watch the march live at the Rideau Carleton website here.
Posted March 20, 2012
OHRIA Launches Ad Campaign to Better Inform the Public

After weeks of misrepresentation of the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has begun to set the record straight with newly launched billboards and radio ads.

For the next four weeks, more than 200 billboards will share the success of the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program with the general public, by reminding Ontarians that this program has provided $1.1 billion dollars for healthcare funding just last year. Radio ads with a similar theme will run on a number of AM radio stations that cover the GTA, Southwestern Ontario and Eastern Ontario.

"We think it is important to answer the ongoing distortion of facts being presented by the government in this public debate. Their plans for the Slots at Racetrack Program will result in 60,000 job losses and cut $1.1 billion dollars from the government's revenue. If this is where the government wants to go, the public needs to be informed," said Sue Leslie, President of OHRIA.

OHRIA remains committed to working with the government and opposition MPPs to ensure the vitality of Ontario's horse racing and breeding industry, and wants members of the public to know what a significant impact Minister Duncan's proposed changes will have on our province.

"The Slots at Racetrack Program didn't cause Ontario's deficit. Far from it. In fact, Slots at Racetracks are the most successful form of gaming in Ontario, which is why it is so important for all Ontarians that we protect this revenue generation stream," added Leslie.

Images of the billboards and audio of the radio ad can be downloaded by clicking here.

OHRIA is the voice of the horse racing industry in Ontario whose mandate is to further the interests of horse racing in the province by being the driving force and champion; to develop positions that are supported industry-wide; and act as the industry advocate on these positions for activities impacting the entire industry.

For more information, contact Sue Leslie, OHRIA President, at 416 679 0741 or email ohria@ohria.com.
Posted March 15, 2012
Bill O'Donnell Issues Press Release

Click here to read the press release in pdf format.
Posted March 11, 2012
2011 Award Recipients

The list is posted here.
Posted March 6, 2012
Upcoming Series and Nominated Horses
All in pdf format

The April Showers Series
The Out Like A Lion Series
The Photogenic Mare Series
The Raindrop Series
The Russ Moulton Series
The Spring Fling Series
Posted March 2, 2012
ORHIA launches value4money.ca

Click here to go to the new site.
Posted March 1, 2012
Ethanol Awareness

Click here to read a document about Ethanol Awareness in pdf format.
Posted February 29, 2012
RALLY AT MCGUINTY’S OFFICE A HUGE SUCCESS

After assembling at Rideau Carleton, over 350 people boarded buses or followed behind in vehicles and proceeded to Premier Dalton McGuinty’s riding office in Ottawa south. Everyone was gathered to show their concern around the proposed removal of the Slots at Racetracks Program. They listened to numerous speeches of support, one of which was from OFA Vice President Deborah Pretty-Straathof, who told the crowd that her members were well aware of the consequences, for farmers and rural Ontarians, of ending this highly successful partnership.

Ottawa councillors Eli El-Chantiry and Doug Thompson spoke in support of the program and what it has meant for the city of Ottawa.

Track veterinarian Dr. Lynn Blackburn, who was accompanied by many other local veterinarians and some of their staff, spoke eloquently about the impact that this might have on their businesses and families.

NCRHHA chairman Gordon McDonald spoke of the inconvenient truth that government doesn't seem to want to talk about and that is the 1.1Billion in revenues that they reap from this partnership. A letter outlining our concerns as well as a petition was handed to Mr. John Fraser who promised to deliver them to the Premier. As the crowd dispersed Mr. Fraser invited NCRHHA directors, Gordon McDonald, John Macmillan, and Ed McHale into his office to further discuss the horseman's concerns.

The NCRHHA wishes to thank all of those who took time out of their busy day to participate in today’s rally.
Posted February 27, 2012
NCRHHA ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET – TICKET DEADLINE SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012

The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association Annual Awards Banquet is being held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport, 2400 Alert Rd., Ottawa, ON. Tickets will be on sale until Sunday, March 4, 2012. All tickets must be purchased in advance of the Sunday deadline. Tickets are $15 single or $25 couple. There are a limited number of tickets available so please purchase your tickets early.

To reserve your tickets please contact Sharla Daley or Sharon Christie at the NCRHHA Office 613-822-6819 or contact Sharron Pyke at 613-923-5645.
Posted February 27, 2012
Duncan's Proposal to End the Slots at Racetrack Program Would Add $1.1 Billion Dollars to the Annual Deficit: Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has been falsely referring to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Slots at Racetrack revenue sharing program as a subsidy. His claim is that the Government has been providing a $345 million dollar annual subsidy to Ontario's Horse Racing Industry. In a recent fundraising
email to supporters, the Ontario Liberal Party suggested that they are "choosing to support our youngest learners over wealthy race track owners".

Duncan's plans to save the Government $345 million from this alleged subsidy, would actually result in adding another $1.1 billion dollars to Ontario's already out of control deficit. According to OLG's financial statements, the Government of Ontario is receiving $1.1 billion dollars per year from the Slots at Racetracks Program. The horse racing industry, which has made space available to OLG slots and allowed competition between the slots and horse racing at their facilities, receives only 20% of the revenue from the slots. The Government walks away with 75% of the slots revenue and host municipalities receive 5%.

If the Liberals end the Slots at Racetrack program, they will be forced to cut an additional $1.1 billion dollars a year from Ontario's budget. This represents nearly 75% of the cost of full day kindergarden or three times the cost of the Liberal's 30% tuition reduction.

"The Ontario Liberals need to make a decision. If they want to see the government revenue stabilize and grow, they can't be ending programs that generate $1.1 billion dollars a year for the Government, which is exactly what Dwight Duncan is proposing to do." Said Sue Leslie, President of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association. "They can't have it both ways. If they end the Slots at Racetrack program, they will lose $1.1 billion dollars of revenue each year. We are supporting Ontario's youngest learners by generating more than a billion dollars a year for the Government." Leslie added.

According to an economic study prepared for OHRIA in November 2011, there are 31,441 full time jobs sustained by Ontario's Horse Racing Industry, with up to 60,000 jobs supported by the industry when factoring in part-time and
casual employment.

With expenditures of nearly $2 billion dollars in the province of Ontario and 80% of that money being spent in rural municipalities, horse racing is the second largest subsection of Ontario's agriculture economy.

"We will continue to increase pressure on the Government to recognize the devastating impact a short sighted decision to attempt to save $345 million dollars would have on Government revenues and the 60,000 families who rely on our industry for a pay cheque." added Leslie.

The OLG's Annual Report for 2009-2010 is available on the OLG website at www.olg.ca The economic study prepared for OHRIA is available at http://ohria.com

For more information:

Sue Leslie, President - Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association
phone: 416-679-0741 / email: ohria@ohria.com
Posted February 25, 2012
ORC IM Group To Visit Rideau

For furher ibfomation, click here [pdf]
Posted February 23, 2012
NCRHHA Plans Rally at McGuinty’s Ottawa Office

The NCRHHA has been working diligently to deliver our message to government officials and the general public. We have committed to follow the strategy laid out by the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association. We feel that Sue Leslie and her team at OHRIA are the most experienced and knowledgeable in terms of government and its relationship to horse racing.

The next phase in the campaign is a rally that will take place on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Horsemen and interested participants are invited to join with us for this rally. They are asked to meet at the grandstand at Rideau Carleton Raceway at 10am on Wednesday at which time an information package will be provided to all demonstrators. We will then proceed peacefully (transportation will be provided) to Premier McGuinty’s office at 1795 Kilborn Avenue in an attempt to have our collective voices heard. We will be accompanied by the rural councilors from the city of Ottawa.

Please note that the racetrack at Rideau Carleton will be closed at 9am on Wednesday for training and jogging.

The NCRHHA would like to thank all those who are working so hard to get the message out there. For more information please feel free to contact the NCRHHA office at 613-822-6819 or by email at ncrhha@rcr.net.
Posted February 21, 2012
Form letters to D McGuinty and D Duncan

Click here to view in pdf format

Click here to view in doc format for Word
Posted February 18, 2012
NOTICE TO THE INDUSTRY: A GRASS ROOTS CAMPAIGN IS NOW UNDERWAY

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has developed a strategy and is launching an intensive six-week grass-roots campaign to inform both the public and the Government of the economic impact of the horse racing industry in the Province of Ontario.

OHRIA has engaged the services of a public relations firm and will be calling on all industry stakeholders and ally organizations to help with this intensive strategy scheduled to launch early next week.

“You can rest assured that OHRIA, which includes representatives of the Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Industries, is continuing to do all we can for the horse racing industry in Ontario,” commented Sue Leslie, President and Chair of OHRIA, “Dialogue continues with the Province and the OLG, our Slots at Racetracks partners, and we are also launching an ongoing campaign to send a strong and positive message to Government and the public, of the importance and the economic benefits of the horse racing industry in Ontario.”

Additional information will be available as the campaign unfolds.

For more information contact:
OHRIA – The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association
416-679-0741
email: ohria@ohria.com
www.ohria.com

Click here to view in pdf format.
Posted January 26, 2012
Announcing 2011 NCRHHA Awards Banquet

To view the poster in pdf format, click here.
Posted January 19, 2012
Advance Notice - Ethanol Testing

To read the notice, click here (pdf)
Posted January 19, 2012
New EC Series Information

To review information about the new series announced, kindly click here (pdf).
Posted January 16, 2012
Late Surge Propels Coville To Challenge Win

To view the SC story, click here .
Posted January 9, 2012
Budd and Henry vs. Coville Sunday Night

Todd Budd and Cody Henry will take on Darryl Coville Sunday night in the “Rookie VS Champ” driver challenge at Rideau Carleton Raceway. All proceeds from the 15 race bout support the Christina Polifroni Scholarship Fund. Each year the NCRHHA awards children of local horsepeople with scholarship money in honor of the late Christina Polifroni, who died tragically while vacationing in Mexico.

The challengers will be Todd Budd and Cody Henry, who earned their spot by virtue of their 2011 Coville Cup division victories. “The Champ” Darrell Coville is the winningest and most notable driver in the history of Rideau Carleton.

First post time Sunday at Rideau Carleton is 6:30.
Posted December 23, 2011
ncrhha.com and ncrhha.org

The two domains above now point to ncrhha.ca .
Posted November 14, 2011
IMPORTANT NOTICE – Entry Box

Starting Monday, December 5, 2011 the entry box at Rideau Carleton will close at 10:00am.
Posted October 25, 2011
NCRHHA Announces the Passing of Dominic Richmire

It is with great sadness that the NCRHHA announces the passing of six year old Dominic Richmire. Dom had an inoperable brain tumour and on Friday, August 26, 2011 the NCRHHA in conjunction with the Ottawa Senators, The Sens Foundation and Rideau Carleton Raceway hosted "Dine n Dash for Dom" a fundraiser to help raise funds for Dom and Rogers House. Several players were in attendance that evening as well as Spartacat and Dom had a great time. Dom also visited with Ed McHale at Robingreen Farm and enjoyed watching the horses swim in the pool. The NCRHHA sends their deepest condolences to Dom’s family at this difficult time.
Posted October 13, 2011
Track Rules

To view the latest track rules, click here [pdf]
Posted October 11, 2011
NCRHHA Announces Scholarship Recipients

The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association is pleased and proud to present the Christina Polifroni Scholarship to four young students. This scholarship is named in honour of the late Christina Polifroni who died tragically while vacationing in Mexico a few years ago. Christina was a valued member of the horse racing community as an owner, groom and assistant trainer. She was a beautiful young woman with a passion for life in general, but especially horse racing. She was also very successful academically. Her popularity, positive attitude, character, and many successes in all facets of life make her a tremendous role model to young people. This award is annually presented to children of local horse people who have also displayed admirable character values and a desire to continue post secondary education.

On Friday, September 30, 2011, Christina’s mother Kim Bonas and stepfather George Groulx presented $1500 each to Audrey Beaudoin, Isabelle Beaudoin, Melissa Loyer and Angela McDonald.

The NCRHHA wishes each recipient success in their future academic envdeavours.
Posted October 6, 2011
Notice to the Industry - Lidocaine reminder

Positive tests for lidocaine prompt reminder to trainers: Read the label.

Trainers are once again reminded to read and carefully examine product labels before administering any products to horses. A recent increase in positive tests for the Class II drug, lidocaine, a local anaesthetic agent, has prompted the ORC to advise trainers they should consult an ORC licensed veterinarian to inquire about the drug’s effect on the horse, and to be very cautious with the administration of such antibiotic ointments. To view the Notice, please use this link.
http://www.ontarioracingcommission.ca/whatsnew.aspx?id=779

Jacinth E. Chang Alloy
Executive Assistant
Ontario Racing Commission
(416) 213-0520
(416) 213-7838 (direct)
(416) 213-7827 (fax)
www.ontarioracingcommission.ca
Posted August 22, 2011
Night of Champions a Huge Success

On Sunday, August 21, 2011 the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) in association with Rideau Carleton Raceway presented its fourth annual Night of Champions with all proceeds supporting the Shepherds of Good Hope.

In front of an enormous Rideau Carleton crowd, Todd Budd took home the Coville Cup Senior Division trophy with three wins. Contender Cody Henry, son of Paul and Linda Henry, capped off the night with three wins in the Coville Cup Junior Division. Both drivers showed the raw talent, intelligence and poise that it takes to be a successful driver. As Coville Cup Senior Division champion, Todd Budd will return to Rideau Carleton in early January for a 15 race head-to¬head driver challenge with Darrell Coville.

The night also included the Invitational Interprovincial Driving Championship, which took take place over five races. It saw Team Montreal come out on top by one point over Team Rideau.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this night another huge success.
Posted August 15, 2011
Dine n Dash for Dom

Friday, August 26th - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

For full details, click here [pdf]
Posted August 12, 2011
Night of Champions

On Sunday, August 21, 2011 the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) in association with Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre is presenting its fourth annual Night of Champions. There are numerous fundraising activities during the evening with all proceeds supporting the Shepherds of Good Hope. The night will be featuring Memorial races honouring some of the Ottawa Valleys racing pioneers. In addition, there will be three non-betting Future Stars races. Once again this year, the main event on the card is the Coville Cup Drivers Challenge. Ten races will be held featuring up and coming drivers. This driver tournament showcases young drivers who are trying to further their driving careers but have yet to drive an abundance of horses.

For full details click here . [pdf]
Posted July 14, 2011
Night of Champions Poster

To view in pdf format, click here
Posted July 11, 2011
Future Stars Registration Form

To view/download the form, click here [pdf]
Posted June 20, 2011
Ontario Racing Program - ORC - Facebook Pilot Program

For information in pdf format, select one below -
in English or en Francais
Posted January 18, 2011
Yesteryears Photos of the Past added
Click here to go to our Photos page
Posted February 18, 2010
Christina Polifroni Memorial Scholarshipstrong

The Christina Polifroni Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to a university or college-bound high school senior based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing post-secondary education.
[more]
Posted October 20, 2009
NCRHHA signs 5 year contact with Rideau Carleton

On Sunday, October 18, 2009 the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) signed their second 5 year contract with Rideau Carleton Raceway. The NCRHHA is pleased to be representing the area horsemen and continuing with winter racing for the next 5 years. Rideau Carleton and the NCRHHA have a great relationship and both parties are pleased to have another contract in place.