Rideau Carleton Raceway Closure Sparks Community Pushback

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa's April 2 announcement to end harness racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway after 64 years, citing long-term financial sustainability concerns despite millions of dollars in recent infrastructure investment. Ontario Racing has since stepped in to support affected workers, while a growing local movement is pressing to reverse the decision before the track goes dark for good.

Horse Owners React to Rideau Carleton Closure

The announcement blindsided local horseperson leaders. Gordon McDonald, president of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA), described the initial reaction as "shock, dismay, and extreme disappointment." He had expected a discussion about race schedules, not a closure notice. The human toll is what concerns him most. "These are real families and real people who have invested in the community and whose livelihoods in many cases depend on Rideau Carleton racing each year," he said.

After 64 years of racing, Rideau Carleton's closure leaves hundreds of horse owners, trainers, and grooms facing an uncertain future and a community scrambling to find a political solution before time runs out.

Horse owners were equally shaken. "It's horrible. This has been a lifestyle for our family," said Brian Scott, whose family has raced horses since the 1960s. Mark Steacy, with more than 50 years in the industry, called it "very sad" and described Rideau as an important development track for young horses.

Save Rideau Racing Petition Demands Provincial Review

A grassroots "Save Rideau Racing" petition has gathered thousands of signatures, calling on the Ontario government to conduct a public review of Hard Rock's decision. For McDonald, political intervention may be the only avenue left. "Our only hope, I think, at this point, is political involvement and perhaps additional funding from the provincial government to correct the gap that exists," he said.

The NCRHHA is also in direct talks with Hard Rock to explore whether any path forward exists. McDonald warned, however, that the company already appears to be winding down its racing operations, making the push for government action all the more urgent.

Ontario Racing Offers Relocation Funding for Affected Workers

Ottawa-area horsepeople have responded positively to a relocation funding offer from Ontario Racing, which supports competitors looking to move to other tracks across the province. Ontario currently hosts 14 live racing tracks, more than any jurisdiction in the world.

"The decision to end racing at Rideau Carleton was one made by Hard Rock," said Ontario Racing spokesperson Dave Briggs, who confirmed the organization's immediate priority is the 14 direct track employees as well as the wider community of trainers, grooms, and support workers affected by the closure. Hard Rock has said impacted racetrack staff are being offered positions elsewhere within the company. Full details on relocation funding are expected to be announced shortly.