Racing horse breeds are specifically bred for their speed and endurance, making them well-suited for racing. These horses are engineered for quick yet graceful movement, with their entire constitution and physiology optimised for performance. Breeders are continuously working to develop the "ideal horse," aiming for the fastest and most valuable specimens. As a result, average racing speeds have risen significantly compared to the benchmarks established by the original breeds.
However, not all breeding horses excel as top competitors. Similar to any other field, there exists a spectrum among breeding horses, ranging from slow movers to speedsters. Any North American breeding horse that meets the pedigree requirements and is sound enough can compete in official races.
In horse racing, there are distinct tiers, much like major and minor leagues in sports. There are races designed for novice horses, horses without previous wins, and slower competitors, collectively forming the "minor league" of racing.
In contrast, the major league comprises Stakes Races, where participation requires owners to pay an entry fee. These races feature substantial prize pools, with amounts sometimes reaching up to $12 million, as seen at the Dubai World Cup. This league attracts the most talented horses, along with their offspring, who hold significant value.
At the entry level of the Stakes Races are the restricted stakes, which impose specific participation criteria. For instance, these races may be limited to horses bred within the same country or region. An example of this is the Ontario Sire Stakes in Canada, which specifically showcases horses of Canadian origin.
Ontario Horse Breed Improvement Programs (HIP)
Ontario is the leading province for the horse racing industry in Canada, home to the unique annual Ontario Horse Improvement Program (HIP). This program features the limited Ontario Sire Stakes races.
For standardbred horses, there is the Standardbred Improvement Program (SIP), which focuses on enhancing the breed through the Ontario Sire Stakes.
Quarter horses benefit from the Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program (QHRIDP), which encompasses not only racing preferences but also a breeding initiative. Stallions enrolled in the program are designated as producers, and their owners receive Stallion Awards, similar to the benefits available for broodmares.
Thoroughbreds have a more intricate breeding improvement initiative known as the Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP). This program offers various awards and bonuses for breeders, stallions, and broodmares, and it includes the Ontario Sire Stakes races, which are crucial for encouraging the breeding and ownership of thoroughbreds.
The Government of Ontario supports the horse racing industry with an annual allocation of $10 million for its development. Additionally, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Association has partnered with the industry to provide $105 million annually over the next 19 years to promote racetrack development and enhance racing prize pools.
Ontario Sirе Stakes
The Ontario Sire Stakes racing series was conceived to support local horse breeders. And not just any horses, but horses bred by stallions living in Ontario. The OSS began in 1974 with Standardbred and Thoroughbred races. The series was a success, and now Canadian Thoroughbreds are known throughout the world and are highly valued.
Ontario Sirе Stakes Standardbred
This is a series of races held across the state from May to December, featuring 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds from Ontario breeders.
Horses first compete in the Prospects Series races, after which they can compete in the OSS proper.
The first level of the OSS is the Grassroots Series, which has five stages, a semi-final, and a championship race for each age, sex, and gait.
The second level is the Gold Series, which also has five stages. At the end of the season, the series culminates in a super final, which is also held for each age, sex, and gait.
Ontario Sire Stakes Thoroughbred
These races feature the top breeding horses from Ontario breeders. To qualify, stallions must be bred in the province, and if the participant is a mare, her sire must have resided in Ontario for the entire duration of her conception season. Horses must also be registered with the Canadian thoroughbred registry. Such stringent regulations govern the races. The Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) program includes a total of 11 races, each offering a substantial prize pool of at least $100,000. All races take place at the Woodbine racetrack. Unlike series events that build excitement through qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and finals, these races stand alone. Notable examples include the Victoriana Stakes, Sir Barton Stakes, La Prevoyante Stakes, Kingarvie Stakes, and Bunty Lawless Stakes, which began in 1975, as well as the Shepperton Stakes and Bull Page Stakes from 1976.
Ontario Sire Heritage Series
The new OSS Thoroughbred racing series, launched in 2021, is called the Ontario Sire Heritage Series. It has eight races: three legs and a final for three-year-old stallions and geldings, and the same combination for three-year-old fillies. All horses entered in the Heritage Series must be participants in the TIP breed improvement program.
The series has a prize pool of $800,000 in 2023, with $100,000 per race. In addition, the top three stallions will receive a $70,000 bonus, which will be split between them. The same applies to the top three fillies.
The races are held from July to November at Woodbine and Fort Erie race tracks on a variety of distances and surfaces: two turf tracks at Woodbine, one artificial track, tapeta, there, and a dirt track at Fort Erie.
The Importance of OSS
Ontario is the epicentre of horse racing in Canada, attracting formidable competitors from various countries to its Stakes Races. This intense competition poses a challenge for Canadian-bred horses. To bolster local breeders, the Ontario Sire Stakes (OSS) program was established. Participation in OSS races is restricted not only to foreign horses but also to those from other Canadian provinces. This initiative marks a significant advancement for the Ontario racing industry, garnering immense appreciation from breeders, trainers, and families involved in the program. The OSS program contributes to the growth of the local thoroughbred and standardbred populations, preserves jobs, ensures that prize money remains within the province, and enhances the sales potential of these horses. Additionally, it fosters a sense of pride among all participants in the industry as they celebrate the achievements of their horses.