Ontario wagering down 1.4%

(courtesy Standardbred Canada)
Total betting in Canada fell slightly in the first seven months of 2006 compared to last year, although wagering in three provinces did increase during the same period.
According to numbers released by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, wagering in Canada fell by 1.35 per cent in the first seven months of 2006. Despite the decrease, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan all reported wagering gains.
Of these, Saskatchewan reported the largest increase - nearly $6-million more than in 2005, or an increase of 676 per cent. The dramatic increase is partially due to the significantly higher number of race dates this year over last.
Of the provinces that experienced a decline, Manitoba had the greatest decline as $7.1-million less was bet on racing, amounting to 28 per cent. It is important to note that in Manitoba, less than 25 per cent of betting is on standardbred racing (based on 2005).
In terms of volume, Ontario had the most betting, where more than $644-million was wagered on racing. This represented a decline of $9.9-million, or approximately 1.4 per cent.
The numbers report all horse racing bets that are placed in Canada - which includes thoroughbred racing, as well as all simulcasting and foreign bets. They do not, however, take into account the number of race dates or the number of races.

WOODBINE FOLK IN FLORIDA
Several yearlings from the August Ocala Breeders’ Sale are headed north after the first two days of the auction.
Laurie Silvera, Ralph Biamonte and Tony Mattine were among the trainers making many purchases. Harlequin Ranches paid $30,000 for a Jump Start filly.