Two long-serving members of the senior management team at Woodbine Entertainment are no longer with Canadian horse racing's largest operator.
Woodbine CEO Nick Eaves confirmed on Tuesday that WEG has parted ways with Andrew MacDonald, Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives and Bruce Murray, Vice-President of Standardbred Racing.
Eaves told Trot Insider that the move came as a result of the company's need to adjust to the new reality facing horse racing in Ontario and at Woodbine and Mohawk in line with recent agreements with OMAFRA and OLG.
Murray started with the OJC back in 1989 as the assistant publicist before moving on to become Director of Publicity, Senior Manager of Media & Community Relations and Director of Events & Promotions before taking the role of Vice President of Standardbred Racing in 2006.
Macdonald started with the company in 1994. He was WEG's Vice President of Marketing & Communications before his role as VP of Strategic Initiatives and also played roles with the company's Marketing, Broadcasting and Media Relations & Sponsorship departments. Macdonald was involved with the development of the HorsePlayer Interactive business, as well as the Champions Off-Track Wagering network.
Bruce, You have been a
Bruce,
You have been a friend, and a terrific person to know in harness racing. I have "only" owned horses since 1964, and have met and dealt with many harness racing officials. You have been a shining example of the VERY BEST that our sport has to offer. I can only wonder at the thought processes of those who have abused our sport, and that you took issue with. God Bless you in all future endeavors. You end up in a better situation because you deserve it. Thanks for all you have done for our sport, and THANKS for being my friend.
Pat Huber
I consider Bruce both a
I consider Bruce both a friend and a very competent and classy individual. I have no doubt that Bruce will do very well in his future endeavors, hopefully in the racing industry. I would consider it very wise for another racing entity to snatch this guy up... Honesty, and the ability to stand by what you believe is right is hard to come by in individuals these days.
Bruce,at a time when our
Bruce,at a time when our industry seems to be in such a turmoil the last thing we need is to lose an individual of your caliber.You have been most helpful,professional and cordial since we started racing in the early nineties.All the best and thanks for everything. Barry and Deb Bird
I dont know Andrew very well,
I dont know Andrew very well, but have enjoyed working with Bruce for close to 20 years. Good Luck to both of you.
Good luck, Bruce ! I will
Good luck, Bruce ! I will always remember your graciousness and generosity to me. WEGs loss will be another's gain.
I was shocked and saddened to
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bruce Murray being released by WEG. This industry has been hit very hard by the insane decision of the Liberal governement and the OLG and this is yet another loss that the horse industry could not afford to take. Bruce will be greatly missed. Best wishes to you and your family Bruce. Good people are hard to come by.
Hello Bruce, You are a class
Hello Bruce,
You are a class act all the time!You for sure will land on your feet due to the fact that you are something that most people aren't: "Genuine". People like yourself are always taken care of. See you soon and keep that smile on your face.
Regards,
BenBar Stables
My very best wishes Bruce.
My very best wishes Bruce. You have a special way about you, and I have no doubt you'll hit the ground running (or pacing). On to bigger and better things....
Jack Wilton
Bruce ... over many years,
Bruce ... over many years, we've had countless discussions, debates and laughs. You've been kind, thoughtful, honest and genuine throughout those three decades, and you are a truly Good man. I am shocked and saddened by this news ... for you and your family first; the Sport we both love second; and a decaying Infrastructure further down the list.
I know you'll come out 'on top', no matter how it looks to you today. Keep moving forward, my friend, and don't let this get you down.
Ralph Sucee
It is very sad that Ontario
It is very sad that Ontario Government's squeezing of this industry has come to this. I'm sorry and best of luck, Bruce. I don't think OJC/WEG has ever had a more dedicated employee and executive.
I'm upset. Bruce was someone
I'm upset. Bruce was someone I enjoyed doing business with and was one reason I raced my horses in Ontario. Its rare to find individuals like Bruce in the racing industry. He will be missed.
Best wishes both to Andrew
Best wishes both to Andrew MacDonald and Bruce Murray. May the next door open be even better than the one that is closing.
I echo the sentiments below.
I echo the sentiments below. Bruce is a true professional who I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I wish him all the best. I did not know Andrew MacDonald personally, but his work with HPI and Champions speaks for itself, and I also wish him well.
Good Luck in all your
Good Luck in all your endevours Bruce.
You will be missed.
Joe Carbone
Good Luck to you in the
Good Luck to you in the future Bruce,you are first class.
All the Best the World has to
All the Best the World has to offer to Bruce Murray in the future. A Class person in every way. < Al & Kendra Casselman