The Quebec provincial government has run into problems with its tentative proposed bailout of the horse racing industry in Quebec. The proposal, which includes tax refunds and VLT revenues, could save up to 3,000 jobs in the industry. The proposal also includes turning the Montreal racetrack into a massive gambling complex which would create problems for the new social housing project which was scheduled for the same area.
Update: On Friday, February 20th the Quebec Finance Minister announced that the province is pulling out of a restructing plan for Attraction Hippiques, the company that runs the provinces four racing complexes. The province, under the restructuring format, would have contributed 9 million per year to the industry for prize money. The Finance Minister said that the main reason for the pullout was the opposition to the plan from the breeders, owners, and trainers. (Posted February 9, 2009 and updated on February 23, 2009)
The National Post had an article on Thursday, February 19th that the Toronto Stock Exchange had placed Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) under review for a possible delisting on an "expedited basis". This may mean that the company is at or close to insolvency. MEC is the largest owner of horse racetracks in North America including Santa Anita in California. (Posted February 23, 2009)
The CTHS National Board of Directors met on Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st. Due to membership numbers, Alberta now has three directors who sit on the National Board. The Alberta members are Ed Welsh, Don Buchanan and Gordon Wilson. By acclamation Mr.Gordon Wilson is the CTHS National President, Mr. Glen Sikura National Vice-President and Mr. Grant Watson National 2nd Vice-President. (Posted February 23, 2009)
Les Butler from Northlands Park confirmed that Strangles is present in the backstretch at Northlands and the Park is proceeding with a plan of action. The barns will be disinfected at the end of the Northlands Park harness meet on February 28. With the exception of one barn, every stall will be available to thoroughbred trainers on March 7 for the beginning of spring training. The long barn will not be available until March 23. Dr. Peter Martin, the HRA vet has recommended this plan as it should mean fewer days lost to illness during the summer thoroughbred meet. (Posted February 25, 2009).
Equine Canada is reporting that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has removed import restrictions on horses from Florida entering Canada that were put in place due to a 2008 outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in the state of Florida. Current import requirements for horses entering Canada may be found at http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca or by contacting Dr. Gary Kruger, Veterinary Program Specialist, Program Network-West,Telephone: (403) 292-5825 or by e-mail at: krugerg@inspection.gc.ca (Posted February 26, 2009)
The Jockey Club's 2009 Online Fact Book is now available at www.jockeyclub.com This Fact Book is published annually and contains statistical information regarding the North American Thoroughbred industry. The 19th edition of the printed version will be available sometime in early May. (Posted March 2, 2009)
The National Post had an article on Thursday, February 19th that the Toronto Stock Exchange had placed Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) under review for a possible delisting on an "expedited basis". This may mean that the company is at or close to insolvency. MEC is the largest owner of horse racetracks in North America including Santa Anita in California. (Posted February 23, 2009)
The CTHS National Board of Directors met on Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st. Due to membership numbers, Alberta now has three directors who sit on the National Board. The Alberta members are Ed Welsh, Don Buchanan and Gordon Wilson. By acclamation Mr.Gordon Wilson is the CTHS National President, Mr. Glen Sikura National Vice-President and Mr. Grant Watson National 2nd Vice-President. (Posted February 23, 2009)
Les Butler from Northlands Park confirmed that Strangles is present in the backstretch at Northlands and the Park is proceeding with a plan of action. The barns will be disinfected at the end of the Northlands Park harness meet on February 28. With the exception of one barn, every stall will be available to thoroughbred trainers on March 7 for the beginning of spring training. The long barn will not be available until March 23. Dr. Peter Martin, the HRA vet has recommended this plan as it should mean fewer days lost to illness during the summer thoroughbred meet. (Posted February 25, 2009).
Equine Canada is reporting that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has removed import restrictions on horses from Florida entering Canada that were put in place due to a 2008 outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in the state of Florida. Current import requirements for horses entering Canada may be found at http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca or by contacting Dr. Gary Kruger, Veterinary Program Specialist, Program Network-West,Telephone: (403) 292-5825 or by e-mail at: krugerg@inspection.gc.ca. (Posted February 26, 2009)
