Ottawa horsepeople push for help after Rideau Carleton racing closure news
The local horsemen's association is seeking support for affected families, while a petition with more than 2,600 names asks the province to step in.
Horsepeople in the Ottawa area are organizing in an effort to save Rideau Carleton Raceway, or at least win support for those who will lose their livelihoods when live harness racing ends there.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which owns and operates the track, announced on April 2 that live racing at the five-eighths-mile oval would end after 63 years. Harness Racing Update reported it is the sixth North American harness track to close since 2022.
Gordon McDonald, president of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA), learned of the decision on a 3 p.m. conference call. He said he had expected a discussion about a shorter race schedule. He described the reaction among members as "shock, dismay and extreme disappointment."
McDonald said the closure stems from a financial gap that could not be bridged. Ontario Racing and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation had been in talks for almost two years. He said his association could have helped on non-financial issues if it had been directly involved, but could not have closed that gap.
Seeking compensation
On April 6, McDonald opened talks with Ontario Racing about a funding envelope for people who have invested in horses and equipment. He briefed members on a video call on April 8. No agreement had been reached and talks were continuing.
A grassroots petition, Save Rideau Racing, was created on April 4 and had gathered more than 2,600 signatures. It asks governments to persuade Hard Rock to reconsider. McDonald said political involvement and more provincial money are the only hope if the decision stands, and that he has heard Hard Rock has started staffing steps toward leaving racing.
McDonald said many families with roots at the track going back to 1962 could be affected, especially grooms who do not own horses. The track is the only one in the region.
Hall of Fame driver Mike Lachance, who won more than 10,000 races, recalled racing at Rideau Carleton with his father in the early 1960s. The track honoured him with Mike Lachance Night in 2010.