Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Ontario Racing Agree to conclude Racing Program at Rideau Carleton Raceway
Rideau Carleton Raceway has hosted some of the province’s most prestigious harness races and has played a meaningful role in supporting Eastern Ontario’s racing community.
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.
“We 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. “Many of us hold deep respect and fond memories of the racing industry but consumer preferences have changed. This is a sad time for ourteam 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’s history.”
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.
“Ontario 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,” said Andrew Gaughan, Independent Chair of Ontario Racing.“We 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’s entire breeding and horse racing industry.”
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.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a world-class entertainment destination in Canada’s capital, blending the iconic Hard Rock experience with the rich history of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Originally opened in 1962 as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths mile harness racing oval, the site has been a staple in Ottawa’s gaming and entertainment community for over six decades.
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®, and Hard Rock Live — 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.
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.
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’s PlaySmart program and is recognized through the RG Check accreditation program.
For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit casino.hardrock.com/ottawa
About Hard Rock®
Hard 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®, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ 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.
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’s Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About OntarioRacing
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.
OR manages breed development programs, funds capital improvements and works with Ontario’s horse racing industry to establish a race date schedule that maximizes racing opportunities balanced against horse supply to grow the wagering handle.
For more information on Ontario Racing, visit www.OntarioRacing.com.