65Th Annual & Statistical Report 2014 – 2015
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Ontario Racing Commission 65th Annual & Statistical Report 2014 – 2015 ORC Annual Report 2014/15 1 © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2015 Ontario Racing Commission des courses Commission de l’Ontario Suite 400 Bureau 400 10 Carlson Court 10 Carlson Court Toronto, Ontario Toronto (Ontario) M9W 6L2 M9W 6L2 Tel 416 213-0520 Tél 416 213-0520 Fax 416 213-7827 Téléc 416 213-7827 September 1, 2015 The Honourable Jeff Leal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 77 Grenville, 11th Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 1B3 Honourable Minister: We are pleased to submit to you the Annual Report of the Ontario Racing Commission for the period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, pursuant to Section 15 (1) of the Racing Commission Act, 2000. Yours sincerely, Elmer Buchanan Chair Vice Chair Anthony Williams Commissioner Justin Fogarty Commissioner Sandra Meyrick Commissioner John Macdonald Commissioner Dr. Anne Walker Contents Message from the Chair ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Members of the Governing Board .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Strategic Statements ..................................................................................................................................................................................11 Mandate ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Vision ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Mission ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Core Values ...................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Strategic Intent .........................................................................................................................................................................................12 Macro Performance Indicators ..............................................................................................................................................12 Ontario Racing Commission Structure ..................................................................................................................................13 Role of the Ontario Racing Commission ......................................................................................................................14 ORC Achievements .........................................................................................................................................................................................15 Key Initiatives 2014-2015 ...............................................................................................................................................................15 1. OHR: Implementation of the Horse Racing Partnership Plan (Plan) including the Horse Racing Partnership Funding Program ......................................................15 2. Racing Operations: The Integrity Program ..................................................................................................16 Departmental Achievements .....................................................................................................................................................18 Investigations .....................................................................................................................................................................................18 Information Technology ..........................................................................................................................................................19 Performance Measures ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Key Performance Indicators ...................................................................................................................................................... 21 Financial Performance .............................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Management Discussion ............................................................................................................................................................ 25 Financial Statements ...................................................................................................................................................................................27 Ontario Racetracks ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44 Message from the Chair Moving forward with the integration of horse racing On behalf of the Governing Board, I am pleased to submit this report for the period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. This past year has been a remarkable one for the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and the Ontario horse racing industry, as we support our government’s efforts to implement the 5-Year $500 million Horse Racing Partnership Plan. The Plan to support and encourage a sustainable horse racing industry is focused on improved industry regulation and governance, as well as the integration of racing into Ontario’s Gaming Strategy. The ORC is proud to play a vital role in that integration, while continuing its legislative mandate to act in the public interest to govern, direct, control and regulate horse racing. During this fiscal year, Ontario Horse Racing (OHR), the ORC’s business development division, achieved its key responsibilities under the Horse Racing Partnership Funding Program: to negotiate and enter into Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs) with all eligible racetracks. This collaborative and co-ordinated approach to the staging of live race dates in Ontario is showing signs that the industry is on track to a sustainable future. The modest increase in wagering in this fiscal year reveals that the betting customer is paying attention to these efforts – efforts that need to continue. Attracting more customers and fans to racing is critical to the future of horse racing. In May of last year, the Governing Board of the ORC approved a rule change to allow “racing under saddle” (RUS) races to be pari-mutuel wagering events. While very popular in Europe, the North American market is only just developing. This Ontario initiative is noteworthy, as it is an indication that the industry is thinking beyond its traditional approach to racing. The ORC is pleased to play its part in encouraging this kind of thinking. New and established customers, as well as the public at large, need to be assured that the integrity of racing is protected. I am particularly proud that the ORC has gained international recognition for its leadership role in developing new approaches to proactive investigation and regulation practices. Last year, with our partners at Harness Racing Australia, the ORC continued work on the International Racing Information and Intelligence Service (IRIIS) which is intended to be a secure internet platform that allows international racing jurisdictions to share intelligence information, collaborate and capitalize on the industry’s expertise and best practices. By our fiscal year end, the government signaled its intention that all aspects of the ORC’s historic mandate will be reviewed, and involve a multi-ministry approach to the creation of a new model of industry regulation and governance. Moving forward, the integration of horse racing will require dedicated efforts by many partners. ORC staff – who I wish to acknowledge for their dedication and professionalism – will ensure that the oversight of racing and the protection of the public interest will continue. Elmer Buchanan Chair, Ontario Racing Commission ORC Annual Report 2014/15 5 Members of the Governing Board Members of the ORC’s Governing Board are experienced and dedicated to the integrity of horse racing, representing various segments of the industry as well as possessing a high level of business and professional acumen. The Board has overall corporate governance responsibilities as well as adjudicative duties. Elmer Buchanan, Havelock Appointed Chair 2013 Mr. Buchanan was appointed Chair of the ORC on November 6, 2013. Following graduation from Queen’s University, and subsequently Teacher’s College in Peterborough County, he worked as a high- school teacher and vice-principal in Hastings County. A noted advocate for the concerns of rural Ontario and the agricultural