The news regarding Magna Entertainment Corporation; which owns horse racing tracks, betting establishments and related businesses, is not looking promising. Its Class A shares will be delisted as of April 1 for failing to meet the Toronto Stock Exchange's listig requirements. It has also stated that it has received notice from its lenders that several of its subsidiaries are in default under its PNC Bank loan agreement. As of March 5, Magna Entertainment has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. and has sought court recognition of that status in Canada. (Posted March 5, 2009)
The start of thoroughbred training is delayed at Northlands with extremely low temperatures coninciding with the horses moving in on Saturday March 7. Training will probably remain closed until at least Wednesday March 11. Check www.thehorses.com for updates on when the track will be open for the first day of racing. (Posted March 11, 2009)
The Alberta Horse Industry branch is putting on a seminar called Getting Started With Horses '09 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Acreage Lifestyle Show at Stampede Park on Saturday April 4, 2009. The cost is $25 per person with children 15 and under free - includes admission to the Acreage Lifestyle Show. Speakers include local well known horse people Ron Anderson, Muffy Knox and Les Burwash. (Posted March 11, 2009)
After a lot of close calls, the Fort Erie Racetrack has managed to survive! A consortium has been formed and a racing meet has been scheduled. Racing will start on May 2nd and run for 78 days. The owners of the track, Nordic Gaming, will continue to operate it but as a non-profit organization. (Posted March 16, 2009)
Horse Racing Alberta has released details of the 2009 Breed Improvement Program as approved by Dr. David Reid, Chief Executive Officer. The Thoroughbred share of the Breeding Support Program for 2009 will be $2,930,000 contingent upon the HRA receiving sufficient funds from the Alberta Lottery Fund. Please click on the following link Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program 2009 to view details of the announcement. (Posted March 16th, 2009)
The website, www.thoroughbredinternet.com has an article posted regarding Gayego called, "Time Still Gilding Teddy's Boys" which can be found under the Canadian news. It has quite a bit of interesting information about Gilded Time and the male-line influence of the stallion, Teddy. Definitely worth reading if you have a fascination with pedigrees. (Posted March 19, 2009)
The topic of horse slaughter is back in the U.S. news. It is being reported that the Montana Senate has just passed a bill that will allow for an individual to start a horse slaughter or processing facility in the State. The bill narrowly passed with a 27 to 23 vote. (Posted March 20, 2009)
