After much effort put forth by both the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association and the Quinte Exhibition and Raceway to host what would have been a stellar event of fair harness racing dubbed 'The Mane Event,' to be held September 6 at QER, the NCRHHA board of directors have decided not to proceed with this event at QER.
The investment required for putting on such an event would have far exceeded the returns or any profits that both organizations may have made from the days events including the pari-mutuel wagering.
The NCRHHA was fully committed to supporting this event financially; however the cap of $20,000 imposed by the Ontario Racing Commission would mean that horses would be racing for little money making it difficult to fill the card to put on such an event.
The NCRHHA stated that it is very sorry to advise its horsepeople of the decision, but that under these economic times it would not be prudent to proceed with the event.
It was the NCRHHA's expectation that the event would have brought the return of many enthusiastic fans and decent horses that would have been racing for purses similar to other area tracks, as well as pari-mutuel wagering.
NCRHHA had hoped to put some of the purse money back into the hands of the horsepeople of Belleville. Unfortunately, the plan did not work out.
Therefore, the meeting which was scheduled for tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Community Centre has been cancelled accordingly.
(With files from NCRHHA)
Well now, seems like the
Well now, seems like the province doesn't really want to support the harness horse industry in Quinte. The bean counters from the ministry of finance obviously don't understand the importance of the industry to the region, understanding only the immediate bottom line. Their capping of support money is indicative of what other tracks will see as they cut and slash racing support in favour of the more lucrative and less costly casino activities. Apparently, the Government agency has no concept of what the industry injects into the economy and the benefits all Ontarians get from it. Given the plethora of problems surrounding the new track for Quinte, one would have thought that just maybe an effort would be made to showcase the races as a promo to maintain interest in what remains only a possibility of a new track for Quinte.