MISSISSAUGA — In a private function on Friday, May 23 the Honourable David Tsubouchi, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet and Minister of Culture, awarded Jane Holmes and George Kelly the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
“I want to congratulate George and Jane on their outstanding contribution to the enhancement and advancement of the horse racing industry in Ontario,” said Tsubouchi, upon bestowing the honour on Holmes, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association’s (OHRIA) founding Executive Director, and Kelly, OHRIA’s Chief Financial Officer.
The Golden Jubilee Award honours the Queen’s 50th anniversary on the throne and is being presented to those who have made a significant achievement or delivered a distinguished service to their fellow citizens, their community or to the country.
Now the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Woodbine Entertainment Group, Jane Holmes was the leading negotiator in the effort to obtain the pari-mutual tax reduction and racetrack slot program which have contributed to the economic growth in Ontario and the long-term viability of the horse racing industry. During her seven and a half years with OHRIA Holmes was awarded the Canadian Gaming Industry Award of Excellence for horse racing and the coveted Stanley F. Bergstein Messenger Award, and was honoured by the Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario for her exceptional contributions.
After joining OHRIA in 1996 George Kelly was a key player in obtaining the pari-mutual tax reduction and negotiating the slots at racetracks program. Kelly has also been instrumental in the continued development of the Horse Improvement Program, which has grown more than 70 per cent — from $30 million in 1997 to $52 million in 2003 — under OHRIA’s management.
“On behalf of OHRIA I would like to congratulate George and Jane for demonstrating leadership and contribution to the horse racing industry and it’s surrounding communities,” said Wendy Rinella, who assumed the Executive Director’s position at OHRIA on May 20. “OHRIA continues to strive for the betterment of all members of the horse racing sector in Ontario.”
OHRIA is an umbrella organization representing all segments of the horse racing industry, which seeks to promote the industry as a vital part of Ontario’s lifestyle, heritage, and agricultural economy.
As the third largest segment of the provincial agricultural economy, the Ontario horse racing industry provides more than 50,000 jobs and generates annual expenditures by breeders and owners in excess of $1.2 billion. The strategic vision of the industry is to be a world class leader in horse racing and breeding.