The Ontario government is reversing policy, and stepping in with cash to save Ottawa's Rideau Carleton Raceway.
CTV News has learned the Ontario government will announce a $25 million deal to fund horse racing at the south Ottawa track.
The deal is expected to break down to $5 million a year for the raceway for five years, and at least 89 annual race days.
In March 2012, the Mcguinty government announced an end to the revenue-sharing program between slots and race tracks in Ontario.
The change decimated the industry, forcing many horse owners to sell their animals and look for other work.
Some horse owers say this new deal could be key to their survival in the business.
"I could probably rejuvinate my business,and probably have five years left now that I didn't have yesterday," said Ottawa horse owner Gary McDonald.
He spent three months racing his horces in Toronto, because there weren't enough races at the Rideau Carleton Raceway.
"When I have to pack up at age 55 to make a week's wage...that's not good business for the government or anybody else," he said.
The new funding anouncement is expected next week, ahead of what could be a spring election in Ontario.
With files from CTV's Claudia Cautillo
