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Important Industry Update November 23, 2023

November 24, 2023

2023 HBPA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER
The Board of the HBPA is proud to announce the winner of the 2023 HBPA Award of Excellence is Trainer RONALD SADLER.
Ron has been actively involved in horseracing for over 40 years. He has bred, owned and trained many thoroughbreds throughout the years. Growing up in Northern Ontario, Ron always had an interest in horses. His journey began at the Humber College Equine Program. Upon graduating he opened the successful equestrian center Amberwood Farms in Richmond Hill. His interest in Thoroughbred racing had peaked while doing a student placement at Woodbine during his time at Humber. He eventually returned to Woodbine where he began his journey toward becoming a Thoroughbred trainer. Ron’s love for the industry would take him into instructing and training industry newcomers including teaching HBPA courses. He helped them develop a love and understanding of the horses first and racing second. Many of those people that were introduced to racing by Ron remain in the industry to this day. Ron’s dedication and commitment to our industry is remarkable, he is the first of offer a helping hand when needed.
The HBPA will be making a live presentation to Ron at Woodbine Racetrack in December. As winner of our Award of Excellence he will be presented with a keepsake crystal award and monetary award on behalf of the HBPA of Ontario. The presentation will be available to view online.

STRONGER TOGETHER
The HBPA would like to thank our Owners and Trainers who attended Wednesday’s information session. We appreciate those who took the time to voice their comments, questions, and make clear their concerns to the panel. Please be assured that the issues raised have been addressed by the HBPA to Woodbine and we will continue to do so. It was evident that the Fort Erie policy is very important to our members, so please know the HBPA will continue conversations with Woodbine on this topic.

Here are some key announcements from the event:
KEY DATES FOR 2024 – Backstretch Opens: Monday, February 26, 2024
Opening Day: Saturday, April 27, 2024
King’s Plate: Saturday, August 17, 2024
DATE FOR KING’S PLATE IN 2024 – The 165th running of The King’s Plate will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
E.P. TAYLOR TURF PROJECT – In 2025, Woodbine will begin its replacement installation of over five-furlong section of the E.P. Taylor Turf Course. The replacement of the backstretch grass will also include the installation of a new drainage system, allowing for the possibility of an extended turf season.

SPECIAL THANKS
The HBPA of Ontario would like to give Wayne Cavers a special thanks again for his generous donation toward winter feeding of the backstretch cats. During the winter months we provide food for the cats, which have made their home in the stalls and shedrows for the winter. We would also like to thank those horse people who graciously donate their time to make sure the cat food is distributed strategically during the off season.