![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Rideau-Carleton-Raceway.png\" "\\"Ottawa")
<\/p>\nOttawa, ON\u00a0\u2014 April 2, 2026 \u2011 Following extensive discussions with Ontario Racing, which represents Ontario\u2019s horse racing industry, Rideau Carleton Raceway has announced the conclusion of its harness racing program starting with the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Rideau Carleton Raceway has hosted some of the province\u2019s most prestigious harness races and has played a meaningful role in supporting Eastern Ontario\u2019s racing community.<\/p>\n
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has operated three race seasons under sole ownership. Despite investing millions of dollars to rebuild the racing paddock and upgrade legacy infrastructure to better serve racing patrons, the long-term sustainability of the racing program could not be achieved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made significant investments in racing infrastructure and adjusted our operations multiple times over the last three years; however, a sustainable path forward was not possible. said Christine Crump, President Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. \u201cMany of us hold deep respect and fond memories of the racing industry but consumer preferences have changed. This is a sad time for our team members, the horse racing community and all those directly impacted. Racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway will always be remembered as an important chapter in the site\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n
All Rideau Carleton Raceway team members that are directly impacted by this decision are being offered alternative employment opportunities within the organization, along with any necessary skills training to support career transitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOntario Racing encourages the Ottawa area horsepeople to continue racing in Ontario at any of the 11 Standardbred racetracks. To help ease this transition, a portion of the funding traditionally provided to Rideau Carleton Raceway will be used to establish a relocation support program, while the balance of funding will go back into purses for live horse racing at other Ontario Standardbred racetracks,\u201d said Andrew Gaughan, Independent Chair of Ontario Racing. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thankful to OLG and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming for the long-term financial support provided to Rideau Carleton Raceway and Ontario\u2019s entire breeding and horse racing industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the coming days, Ontario Racing will announce transitional funding for those Standardbred horses that reside in the Rideau Carleton Raceway catchment area and are interested in travelling to southwestern Ontario to continue racing.<\/p>\n
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa:<\/p>\n
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a world-class entertainment destination in Canada\u2019s capital, blending the iconic Hard Rock experience with the rich history of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Originally opened in 1962 as Canada\u2019s first-ever five-eighths mile harness racing oval, the site has been a staple in Ottawa\u2019s gaming and entertainment community for over six decades.<\/p>\n
Now fully transformed into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, the $350 million resort features a 150-room hotel, including 22 suites, an expanded gaming floor with up to 1,500 slot machines and 40 live-action table games, and high-limit gaming. Guests can enjoy six unique dining options, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, alongside three bars, the Rock Shop\u00ae, and Hard Rock Live \u2014 a 23,000 square foot, 1,900-seat performance venue hosting world-class concerts and events. Authentic music memorabilia, with a special focus on Canadian music legends, is showcased throughout the property.<\/p>\n
As a proud member of the Ottawa community, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa employs over 1000 team members and continues a long-standing tradition of community investment through partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable initiatives. Since February 2000, the City of Ottawa has received over $115 million in payments from the casino, contributing significantly to local programs and services.<\/p>\n
Operated by Hard Rock International and governed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). With OLG partnership, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa demonstrates a daily commitment to responsible gambling with full implementation of OLG\u2019s PlaySmart program and is recognized through the RG Check accreditation program.<\/p>\n
For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit\u00a0casino.hardrock.com\/ottawa<\/p>\n
About Hard Rock\u00ae\u00a0Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned\/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops\u00ae, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world\u2019s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity\u2122 by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.<\/p>\n
HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody\u2019s Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit\u00a0www.hardrock.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0shop.hardrock.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Ontario Racing<\/p>\n Ontario Racing (OR) is a non-profit horseracing industry association recognized by the provincial government as the authority for the sector in Ontario. Horsepeople and racetracks have significant control and responsibility over their future by working in conjunction with OR.<\/p>\n OR manages breed development programs, funds capital improvements and works with Ontario\u2019s horse racing industry to establish a race date schedule that maximizes racing opportunities balanced against horse supply to grow the wagering handle.<\/p>\n For more information on Ontario Racing, visit\u00a0www.OntarioRacing.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n