Rich Coleman, BC minister of housing and social development, has gone on the record with some very interesting comments regarding the future of the province's harness racing industry

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In an article on kelowna.com, Coleman has stated that in order to get the provincial industry back on the right path, "a new direction is needed," which could include the implementation of a manager to oversee the industry.

Coleman's comments come in the wake of the BC Standardbred Breeders Society and BC Standardbred Association's respective votes in favour of amalgamation.

"I also believe we have to go to a professional management board to get rid of these old contracts and side deals that existed," said Coleman. "This would make sure professional management of horse racing is not done by industry groups. They will still be funded, but funded for their own operation and objectives. And the new board will not be made up of the usual suspects."

Click here to the read the kelowna.com article in its entirety.

(With files from kelowna.com)