The main QHRIDP components will remain similar to prior years, with the 2018-19 program projected to provide over $3.5 million in total purses and incentives.
New to the QHRIDP, a Mare Breeding Incentive will be introduced to encourage breeding of QH mares in Ontario. The goal of the new program is to increase the future racing population by providing a $1,000 incentive to eligible participants upon breeding a mare. To accommodate the budget expenditures for the Mare Breeding Incentive, the Breeders Awards and Stallion Awards were cut by 10% to $400k and $40k, respectively.
The Third Start Bonus, which provides a $1,000 incentive to the trainer of record on the completion of three starts at Ajax Downs during the season, will be continued into 2018-19. The incentive will introduce a maximum cap of $10,000 to any one trainer.
To support increased program participation, late enrolments will now be allowed subject to a late fee. The fee for filing a late Stallion Enrolment (after January 15 for active stallions) will be $200. Broodmare enrolments may be filed after foaling, with no time limit, upon paying a late fee of $200 and providing proof of residency.