Draft plan prompts more questions than answers

Published: July 2, 2013 10:51 am EDT

Many of us have spent the last couple days reviewing the panel's latest work, "Toward a sustainable future - a Draft plan for horse racing in Ontario".

These reports seem to prompt more questions than provide answers. With dates set for input from our industry stakeholders, it's up to us, as stewards of our industry, to review these transition reports from all angles.

I want to discuss some of the questions that came to mind as I read through the report. I look forward to hearing your own interpretations, concerns and questions.

I am pleased the panel has recommended formation of the "LRO" (Live Racing Ontario. I may have got the acronym wrong but the function is pretty darn close.)

My biggest concern surrounds the "Board of Directors," which I understand to be "government appointees" with focus groups from stakeholders around the industry being involved in collaboration with Standardbred Canada. I wonder about the board's transparency and accountability to the horsemen.

I've given some thought to how I would like to see an LRO run. I would like to see:

1) We need a provincial oversight office to report to the government directly.

2) We need a director of racing to streamline the product.

3) We need a multi-faceted marketing strategy to attract and retain a fan base for our industry. We also need to build support for our new product and industry from the inside out.

This LRO can't be a pig with lipstick on; it has to be run correctly and have total accountability and transparency to both the government and the racing industry.

The lack of numbers in this report leads me to believe that the government is in their own transition stage.

I would be shocked if we didn't see expanded gaming at all six tracks (Mohawk, Flamboro, Georgian, Western Fair, Grand River and Rideau) spoke of in the report. I doubt they will venture into online gaming, but HPI is already there - that's a feather in our cap, and Woodbine already has a world class simulcasting hub. Think of the potential for cross promotion.

We do have to be more clear on what system is best for racing. A few lines speak of the importance of small rural racetracks without any elaboration. The report speaks of a five-track alliance and leaves Rideau out. "Limbo Downs" so to speak? And we still have a big hole from Sudbury (which isn't mentioned at all) to Georgian (when closed) all the way to Ottawa. No mention of Kawartha Downs worries me also.

Why not look to diversification of racing at Ajax Downs for the Eastern horsemen?

A report this vague is intended to stimulate discussion. Although there is lots of wiggle room for both negative or positive to slip in through our transition period, I'm prepared to take a leap, throw in my two cents and hope for the best.

Personally, I've had enough of the doom and gloom. My baby boy arrives in four weeks -- wouldn't it be nice to see some actual progress by then? Here's our chance and we certainly can't afford to let it slip away.

As always please comment, discuss, rant or berate. I have thick skin and too much is on the line to stay silent.

Thanks again,
Anthony

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