Ontario's horse racing industry urge Liberals not to kill revenue-sharing deal

TORONTO, Ont. - The Ontario horse racing industry is urging the Liberal government not to kill an agreement that gives them 20 per cent of race-track slot revenues.

The Mike Harris Conservative government crafted an agreement in the 1990s that sees the province pay to locate and operate slot machines at the tracks.

The province calls it a subsidy but the horse racing industry calls it a revenue sharing deal.

The group said scrapping the deal would be unfair because horse farmers' survival depends on the money.

Brian Tropea, general manager of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, said they're not asking for a government handout.

Economist Don Drummond suggests the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation could make more money if slots currently in race-tracks were moved to different locations.

Conservative MPP Garfield Dunlop has some harsh words for the premier.

"That there would be a time when Dalton McGuinty's hatred of rural Ontario would want to put the horse racing industry right out, and that's what we have here," Dunlop said.

Ontario's racetrack slots generated about $1.7 billion in 2011 with about $350-million going to operating costs, another $350-million to the industry and the rest to the government.

About 200 people, including trainers, owners and other track staff, took part in a rally in front of the Ontario Legislature, Wednesday afternoon.

While the group listened to speeches of support, about 20 empty horse trailers circled Queen's Park circle - which surrounds the legislature building.

The rally began at 1:30 p.m. and concluded around 3 p.m.