Rideau Clarifies Position On 'Rideau Express'

In response to concerns expressed by Attractions Hippiques, Rideau Carleton Raceway today announced that it would like to clarify the situation regarding the Rideau Express bus.

The release states that by providing the bus service from Montreal to Rideau Carleton Raceway, Quebec fans will be able to stay in touch with the sport they love during the current uncertainties in the Quebec racing industry.

Rideau realizes that maintaining a strong fan base is vital to the survival of the sport, regardless of where that fan base is located. The release states that the bus is in no way an attempt to 'poach' Hippodrome de Montreal customers that normally patronize that facility.

To the contrary, Rideau realizes this is a temporary measure designed to maintain interest in the sport until the Quebec racing industry is back on firm footing. When that happens, Montreal racing will continue to have an energized fan base.

Under the current environment, it is quite possible that Montreal race fans may not even have a simulcast venue to enjoy, let along live racing, pending the outcome of the dispute between ATAQ and Attractions Hippiques, which is currently before the courts.

The release concludes by stating that if the roles were reversed, Rideau Carleton Raceway is sure Attractions Hippiques would reciprocate its efforts to re-energize the fans of this great sport.

(With files from Rideau Carleton Raceway)