Horse Racing Culture in Ontario: A Look through the History of Its Popularity
The relationship between humans and horses runs very deep, especially in North America.
While horses were essential to the settlement of the continent and the establishment of what is today Canada, they also played a significant role in the less formal aspects of life. Horse racing has been a popular sport in Ontario and the rest of Canada for a very long time, and it didn’t lose much of its appeal even as dozens of alternative ways to have fun have emerged over the 20th and 21st centuries.
This love story between Ontario residents and horse racing deserves a more detailed explanation. Here is how it all began and how we arrived at the present state of affairs.
Horse Racing in Colonial and Post-Colonial Times
The earliest instances of horse racing in Ontario can be traced back to the late 18th century, when the area was still under the control of Britain. Starting in 1793, informal races were organised on the peninsula linking the Toronto Island to the mainland, involving both military and civilian riders. The number of venues where races were taking place gradually increased throughout the 1800’s, firmly establishing the equestrian sport in the province. The famous King’s Plate race was first held in 1860 and it remains the race with the longest uninterrupted tradition in North America. The Ontario Jockey Club was founded in 1881, signaling the beginning of a more formal approach to this sport with firm rules for racing and better conditions for the horses.
Evolution of Horse Racing through Canada’s History
Canada has undergone rapid industrialisation during the late 19thand early 20th century that reduced the importance of horses for the economy and transportation. However, the country remained fond of breeding thoroughbreds for racing purposes and organising large racing events for entertainment of the masses. A number of new racetracks opened in this period, including someiconic venues such as Dufferin Park, Hillcrest Park, and Long Branch Racetrack. Renovation of the Woodbine Racetrack in 1956 marks the beginning of a new era in the history of horse racing in Ontario, with better surfaces and more comfortable seating. Throughout all this time, horse racing remained highly popular, with top races drawing crowds as large as 40,000 people and even larger TV audiences.
Racetrack as a Hotspot of Social Activity
To fully understand why horse racing is so important in Ontario’s culture, we need to examine the role of the race track as a place where people could gather and enjoy their time in the company of friends and strangers. Much before the advent of arena-based sports, people were flocking to racetracks for their daily excitement, and an opportunity to witness greatness from up close. It’s also important to know that for a long time, betting on horses was the only form of legally sanctioned gambling in Canada, giving the racetrack patrons another reason to visit regularly. Once this tradition was established and took root among the local population of all social strata, it was passed to the next generation and became a key part of the local identity.Visiting a racetrack from time to time to catch a big race is just something to do in Ontario and you should definitely try to have this experience if you are in the area.
How Popular is Horse Racing in Ontario Today?
The competition for the attention of sports fans is much more intense today than it was a hundred years ago. Horse racing isn’t the most popular sport in Ontario any longer – that distinction belongs to ice hockey, of course. However, it is still actively followed by a lot of local residents and has an overall following on par with sports like baseball, basketball, or tennis. The biggest races are huge events that draw visitors from every part of Canada, the United States, and even overseas. It’s worth noting that 99 out of 135 Canadian racetracks are located in this province, which goes to show that Ontario is the center of the equestrian sport in the nation. This industry is contributing significantly to public finances, as it attracts tourists and generates tax money through betting activities.
Can You Bet on Horse Racing Legally in Ontario?
Legal framework for betting on sports has been significantly liberalised in recent years. While bets on horse races were legal for decades, the spectrum of options was dramatically expanded. In 2022, Ontario joined other Canadian provinces in allowing online betting on any sport, including horse racing. In effect, now you can legally predict the outcomes of races both at the track and from a smartphone app. Numerous high-end sportsbooks allow players to make a sports bet in Ontario, and some of them even accept deposits in Canadian dollars. In fact, you are not limited to betting on events that are organised locally, as bookmaking sites active in this province cover all major international races. The interest for betting on horses remains high among all generations of Ontario residents, as well as short term visitors to Toronto and the surrounding towns.
