Recruiting the recruiter

Woodbine Entertainment close to hiring promoter of racehorse ownership.

by Melissa Keith

Promoting racehorse ownership is challenging as populations have urbanized and the cost of living has gone up. Woodbine Entertainment has taken a bold step to address the issue with the introduction of a new position: manager horse ownership development.

Woodbine Entertainment vice-president communications Jamie Dykstra told HRU that the manager horse ownership development role is “newly-created,” but also builds on a foundation Megan Walker helped establish. She was hired as Woodbine’s standardbred concierge and owner development associate in 2016 and subsequently promoted to manager of standardbred racing operations. In March 2025, Walker was named director of standardbred racing operations at Woodbine Entertainment.

“Megan has done an excellent job in this space and continues to play a key role in how we support current owners and attract new ones,” said Dykstra via email. “This new role will work closely with her and complement the work she already does. As part of our Five-Year Strategic Plan, strengthening racing foundations is a top priority, and this role reflects that focus.”

He said that the person hired for the manager horse ownership development position will promote thoroughbreds and standardbreds to an audience beyond the existing market for both breeds.

“This role will focus broadly on horse ownership development, including recruitment and improving the overall owner experience at both Woodbine and Mohawk,” Dykstra said. “That includes exploring ways to attract a wide range of owners, including smaller-scale owners and alternative ownership models such as racing clubs and syndicates.”

Attracting racehorse owners in Ontario will not happen overnight. Many of the old guard left the industry or relocated after the Ontario Slots at Racetrack Program ended in March 2013, resulting in diminished purses and three permanent racetrack closures: Windsor Raceway, Sudbury Downs, and Woodstock Raceway.

“We recognize that the end of the Slots at Racetracks Program and the changes that followed had a significant impact on ownership across the industry, including the loss of racing opportunities at some tracks,” Dykstra said. “Rebuilding and growing ownership requires a broad, intentional approach.

“Our race office teams already do strong work recruiting and supporting owners, and this new role is designed to support and extend those efforts — whether that’s engaging new owners, encouraging current owners to expand their involvement, or reconnecting with past owners who may be interested in returning under today’s racing landscape.”

The incoming Woodbine manager horse ownership development will not be expected to take on all of these conversations on their own.

“It’s also important to note that this role will work closely with our industry partners, including COSA [Central Ontario Standardbred Association], Ontario Racing, Standardbred Canada, and the SBOA [Standardbred Breeders of Ontario], as well as our thoroughbred counterparts, to ensure alignment across the industry,” Dykstra said. “While this position is focused specifically on horse ownership development, we strongly believe success in this area depends on collaboration, clear communication, and coordinated effort across all parts of the industry.”

Thoroughbreds typically cost more and race less than standardbreds, but compete for higher potential earnings. Do they appeal to a different demographic than typical standardbred owners, or can both breeds be marketed similarly to the same prospective owners?

“That’s an important question and a key area of focus,” Dykstra said. “Part of this role will be understanding the different value propositions across breeds and audiences, informed by research and direct input from current owners and trainers.”

Because fractional ownership and racing clubs allow inexperienced people to get involved in horse racing, often while on a budget, the manager horse ownership development will be exploring these means of entry into the sport. Dykstra said that “learning from existing models and identifying ways Woodbine can support and complement those efforts” will be part of the new role.

The old model of farm families passing on a rural tradition is no longer a reliable way to maintain or grow participation in the sport. Dykstra said that the manager horse ownership development will likely be more than a social facilitator.

“There will be an educational component to help people understand what ownership involves, alongside connecting them with trainers and key industry stakeholders who can support them,” he said.

Although building field size at Woodbine Mohawk Park and Woodbine Racetrack is an obvious long-term goal of creating the new position, the vice president communications said its scope was greater than solely increasing investment in horses of racing age.

“We will be focused on addressing all different levels and models of ownership,” Dykstra said. “Part of the role will be helping prospective owners understand the different ways they can participate in the sport whether through claiming, purchasing yearlings, or joining syndicates or fractional ownership models, so they can make informed decisions that suit their interests and goals.”

When Woodbine Entertainment advertised the manager horse ownership development position on Jan. 16, 2026, qualifications included both practical experience with racehorses and knowledge of what owners want. Because there is not always overlap between the two, Dykstra noted that the ideal candidate would be someone able to bridge the two worlds.

“An understanding of the industry and its complexity is certainly an asset, as are strong relationships across the sport,” he said. “We’re looking for someone who can work collaboratively with industry participants and associations, match the passion of the industry, and develop and execute plans effectively.”

There will be one manager horse ownership development, not separate managers for standardbreds and thoroughbreds.

“Yes, this is a dual-breed role, and the person will spend significant time at both Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park,” Dykstra said.

Bringing new owners into the sport may take innovative approaches. Dykstra agreed this could take the form of promotional seminars, workshops, and/or paddock tours at both tracks.

“That’s something we’re interested in exploring as part of our broader approach to ownership development,” he said.

Recruitment of horse owners will not be restricted by demographics.

“We see an opportunity to engage with a wide range of people who may be interested in owning racehorses, and that perspective will be considered as we build out the role and set priorities,” Dykstra said. “Our goal is to attract new owners to the sport. Whether it’s a family with roots in racing, or a family that is new to the sport, we will have an approach to all of the various audiences we identify.”

Watch for the announcement of Woodbine’s manager horse ownership development in the weeks after Valentine’s Day.

“We have started to interview candidates… The position is still open, but will likely close by Feb. 16,” Dykstra said. “Our priority is finding the right person. We’re encouraged by the quality of candidates and hope to make a hire as soon as possible.”