Max Gibb, president and CEO of the United Horsemen of Alberta, has commented on the meeting that took place Thursday between his organization and Horse Racing Alberta.
According to an article in The Calgary Herald, Gibb said that the current plan for the proposed racing facility in Balzac is to have six barns -- which include 820 to 1,000 stalls -- the track and half of the racing entertainment centre open, possibly as early 2009 or 2010. The report states that the next phase would come along at 2010 or 2011, accordingly.
"We'll go with the basics initially and expand as appropriate," The Calgary Herald quoted Gibb as saying. He went on to state "we're moving forward slowly and positively."
Gibb stated that land has had to be sold to the large mall and other companies that will be setting up shop at the complex.
"Originally, we were hopeful of doing the whole project [at once] but, having said that, considering the economic world today, we're glad we don't have debt and glad we're moving the way we are.
"We're a little slower than we thought we would be, but we're a lot safer."
According to the report, Gibb said that the meeting did not resolve where the standardbreds will race in 2009 and that Horse Racing Alberta could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
"We're a little sad that the situation puts the standardbreds in a difficult (situation) for a year or two, but at the end of the day . . . horse racing will never be better. This racetrack is a racetrack for the next century," said Gibb.
"If Balzac isn't ready . . . then we would be pleased to host it in Lacombe and or Lethbridge."
To read The Calgary Herald article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from The Calgary Herald)
Nothing much has changed in
Nothing much has changed in this world! We are all a bunch of school children fighting over who is best instead of getting down to business and fighting for all our lively-hoods! Come on people lets get together!!!
Stay the course! These are
Stay the course!
These are just transition years.
Why are they sorry that it
Why are they sorry that it puts the standardbreds in a difficult situation? They don't need a mile track....five eighths is fine. It's the thoroughbreds that have been badmouthing the bullrings at Stampede Park and Northlands for years. Now they are more than happy to race 100 days at Northlands? They should be looking to part of their season at Grande Prairie, Lethbridge or Lacombe as well.
As I stated earlier since
As I stated earlier since the ownership of this facilty seems to be 2/3 thoroughbreds I believe that the standardbreds better get their act together and go to a location where they are the only sport in town. Let these big facilities freeze in the dark from November through to March. The standardbreds will never get summer days at Balzac or at Northlands. Where is the ASSHA when you need them never comment or proposals anything and continually leave the horsemen in the dark. Are they still treating racing like they are on welfare or do they want to be proactive and develop their own facilities where by the standardbreds can flourish. Horse Racing Alberta is only interested in the thoroughbreds. I am sick and tired of this stuff. Why continue to punish the breed that has improved. Read my earlier comments with regards to the Northlands dates to get the drift. We need some forward thinkers not people that wait for something to happen.
THE BALZAC MIRAGE- The
THE BALZAC MIRAGE- The Alberta Standardbreds had better start looking for a new home, this thing, even if it is completed in 2015 is the same design as Woodbine.Everyone agrees the inside track is so far away from the horses you might as well stay home and watch it on TV. We know what that does for our sport.
In reply to THE BALZAC MIRAGE- The by Anonymous (not verified)
it better han not having
it better han not having this sport and we should be able to deal with that we just need more and bigger tv's!!
Not much change going on
Not much change going on here. Did they serve Tim Horton's or Dunkin Donuts at the meeting.
In reply to Not much change going on by Anonymous (not verified)
Once again UHA totes the
Once again UHA totes the company line, "things are going to be wonderful" ala 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.
At least they aren't spending money on speech writers.