Ontario-sired series started

Ontario Racing and its Thoroughbred Improvement Program Committee have announced the inaugural Ontario Sire Heritage Series, an eight-leg stakes series for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds that will be conducted at Woodbine and Fort Erie this year.

With a total purse structure of $750,000, the Heritage Series will feature four races – three opening legs and one final – for both 3-year-old males and 3-year-old fillies eligible to the Ontario-sired program.

“It is crucial to maintain a strong and vibrant Ontariosired stakes program,” said John Hayes, chairman of Ontario Racing. “This exciting series offers owners and trainers a great opportunity to showcase their sophomore stars in races with significant purses.”

Starting July 30, there are three $80,000 preliminary legs for each division. The series will conclude with a pair of $100,000 finals for both divisions on Nov. 19 at Woodbine.

Bonuses totaling $70,000 will be paid to the connections of the top three horses in each division at the conclusion of the series.

“This new series will be a great complement to Woodbine’s world-class 2021 Thoroughbred racing calendar,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “In addition to the 10 Ontario-sired stakes on the calendar, this new eight-leg series supports Ontario breeders, owners, and racehorses while providing a new series for fans and bettors to follow.”

Ontario Racing also announced that starting on Woodbine’s opening day, April 17, owners of Ontario-sired and Ontario-bred claiming horses will be eligible to receive credits that are to be used at the 2021 CTHS sales.

Under the program, the owner of an Ontario-sired or Ontario-bred winner of a claiming race with a purse of $15,000 to $20,000 will receive a credit of $1,000. An Ontario-sired or Ontario-bred winner of claiming race of $14,000 or lower will earn a $750 credit. The program will be capped at $260,000.