The Leamington Raceway will host 12 horse races in 2026, one less than last year.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced approved race dates this week.
"We were still hoping status quo at 13, but they've decided throughout the province, not down here, we've never really had any trouble, but there's an apparent horse shortage, so they decided they needed to take one of our days away," said Mark Williams, president of the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association.
Williams said the change is not devastating for the association, but it will have an impact on local trainers.
"It's a fairly big deal for a guy racing a young horse, trying to get them taught how to race and do the right things. And it's a local opportunity, so we don't have to ship to London and beyond," said Williams.
The races will be held at the Leamington Raceway on Sundays at 1 p.m. starting on August 9, 2026. The last race of the season will be on October 25, 2026.
"People really enjoy coming out. We, quite often, have the most people in our grandstand on a Sunday afternoon, at least comparable to any other track in Ontario," said Williams.
