December 27, 2015 – Recent statistics of harness racing mares bred in 2015 illustrate a continued decline in North America by 6.3% from 2014 and 27.7% from 2010.
Canada gained 12.9% from the 2014 level while US declined 10.9%.
In total numbers 12,009 mares were bred in 2015 compared to 12,810 and 16,612 in 2014 and 2010 respectively.
The most notable gains in 2015 were posted by Ontario (up 365 from prior year), New Jersey, Alberta and Delaware while decliners included Ohio (down 255), Pennsylvania, New York (down 341), Indiana and Illinois.
Ohio retained the #1 state/province ranking with 2339 mares bred (fueled by its lucrative Sires Stakes program), ahead of Ontario with 2031 and Pennsylvania with 1931.
Attractive sires have been added to many venues, including notably in New Jersey, Ohio and Ontario.
Source: USTA’s David Carr
Thomas H. Hicks