An announcement to pump $105 million a year into the horse-racing industry is a shot in the arm for the sector, but Ajax says it’s all part of a plan to close slots facilities.

The province recently announced the funding, which will run for 19 years, saying the money would support the industry long-term.

Jeff Leal, the minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, said, “This new, collaborative agreement will provide owners, breeders and racetrack operators with the support they need to ensure stability and success for the long term.”

The funding allows the horse racing industry to make long-term decisions about horse breeding, racing programs, capital investments and hiring.

Bob Broadstock, the president of the Ajax-based Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc., said in a statement, “We are very happy with the announcement of long-term funding for the horse racing sector. This commitment will provide the security that the quarter horse industry and the people that work in it need to continue our work and plan for the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

The only quarter-horse racing facility in Ontario is at Ajax Downs, next to Casino Ajax. For years, the slots operation at the casino has helped fund the quarter-horse racing industry.

However, Leal recently announced the slots operation in Ajax would close and that has imperilled the quarter-horse racing industry.

In a statement, Ajax said, “Today’s horse racing funding announcement by Minister Sousa and Minister Leal is part of the Wynne government’s larger strategy to close slots facilities such as the Ajax Casino.

“Minister Leal’s closure leak followed by MPP (Joe) Dickson’s promise letter clearly indicates the litany of bad faith and strategic dealings of the government to close the Ajax facility — one of the most successful casinos in North America.”

The town’s statement noted Casino Ajax Casino supports Ajax Downs, helps provide 1,700 agricultural jobs and boosts the economy by $56 million annually in Durham Region and beyond.

“While today’s funding is welcomed and will support the industry as whole, the town is committed to the long-term operational success of Ajax Downs, and has released a revenue sharing model in order to keep quarter horse racing in Durham,” the statement added.

Ajax council voted on a revenue sharing model, with the Town proposing to keep 50 per cent of revenues and giving 20 per cent to Durham Region, 15 per cent to Pickering, 10 per cent to Whitby and five per cent to the quarter horse industry.

Based on current annual revenue of about $7.7 million, Ajax would keep $3.85 million, while the region would get $1.54 million, Pickering $1.155 million, Whitby $770,000 and the quarter horse industry $385,000.

If the Ajax site is expanded to have more slots and gaming tables, revenue could reach $12 million. In that case, Ajax would keep $6 million, the region would get $2.4 million, Pickering $1.8 million, Whitby $1.2 million and the quarter horse industry $600,000.

Ajax also wants a casino decision delayed until after the June 7 provincial election.

“This co-location of the track and casino has been a win-win. Together, the Ajax site is primed for expansion and rivals the proposed Durham Live Development,” the statement stated. “There are four factors that make it a superior site. Casino (jobs), Ajax Downs (jobs), major development opportunities (jobs) plus an existing, functional transportation network that does not subject commuters to gridlock. For these factors, we continue to call for a fair and transparent third-party review of the government’s decision to close the Ajax Casino.”

Broadstock praised Dickson for his efforts in helping the quarter horse industry.

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“Joe has always supported quarter horse racing, dating back to his time on town council. Over the last few months, Joe has been instrumental to the governments awareness of the specific needs of the quarter horse racing industry. Working together we have had countless meetings making sure that the industry receives the required support,” Broadstock said.

Dickson said, “Today, the Ontario government showed their commitment to horse racing in Ontario with a historic long-term investment of $105 million a year. Quarter horse racing owners and families can make more confident decisions about their own investments and how to grow their industry.”

Ajax is concerned closing Casino Ajax means the gaming facility would be moving to a site in Pickering called Durham Live.

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