The horse racing industry in Canada: current status and prospects

ABSTRACT

Horse racing in Canada is an important industry from an economic and leisure perspective; however, in recent years, little research has been done into the attitudes of industry stakeholders. In this study, we conducted a self-administered survey (n = 526) with Canadian horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, officials, and operators about the state of the industry. Data were collected on the industry’s current status, investment priorities and challenges, and on how to improve the spectator experience. The results point to some difference among provinces. There was stakeholder convergence about the current situation and the urgent actions required to address the challenges faced by this industry. In order to revitalize the horse racing industry, a holistic and multifaceted approach is recommended to reawaken interest among stakeholders and customers, to encourage financial reinvestment, and to implement new communication and promotional strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Horse racing industry
• Standardbred
• harness racing
• Canada

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 The usual funding model for the horse racing in Canada relies on the races themselves, through a commission on pari-mutuel wagering (ranging from 12% to 19%). Several provinces also receive a commission from their racing activities (ranging from 15% to 44%). In some provinces, additional grants are awarded from their respective lottery and gaming agencies. In Prince Edward Island, 19% of all gaming revenues, including pari-mutuel, is reinvested in the industry (Evans, 2012).

2 “Sondage à la clientèle de l’hippodrome de Trois-Rivières” (2013).

3 “Economic impact survey for racing” (2015).

4 “Indiana racing and breeding industry survey” (2014);“A survey of harness racing's demographics and sponsorship potential” (2005);“Horse owner survey questionnaire” (2003);“Survey questionnaire for trainers of thoroughbred racehorses” (1989).

5 This project was submitted to the Ethics Committee for Research with Human Subjects of the University of Québec‌, in Trois-Rivières and was accepted. Certificate CER-16-223-07.08 was issued on 2 June 2016.