Toronto-based horse racing operator Woodbine Entertainment has confirmed it has increased the price of several of its Standardbred classes at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Announcing the price hike via its website, the Woodbine Standardbred Race Office attributed a desire to increase the value of the horses in higher level claiming races as a major reason why the decision has been taken.

The following classes will see a price increase beginning Monday, Mar. 6:

$11k to $14k Claiming Handicap increased to $12k to $16k

​$15k to $20k Claiming Handicap increased to $17k to $22k

​$22k to $30k Claiming Handicap increased to $25k to $35k

Alongside horse racing, the track also offers a slot machines parlour with over 1,000 machines, operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, and its revenue is used to support horse racing purses.

Speaking in February last year, Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson was also confident that horse racing could establish itself as a major sports betting player in the newly regulated Ontario market that launched last April.

He further put forward the Woodbine Group as a strong candidate to set up on-location sportsbooks across the province, arguing they would provide the greatest return on the proceeds of sports betting for the government.

However, despite maintaining a healthy relationship with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), no licence has yet been issued to the company in this area.