I am writing this column on Halloween, and it’s time to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (Deadlines, deadlines). Since this is my last column of the year, my goal is to give you some updated information and also some positive thoughts!

My office at Fraser Downs looks like a tack shop and general store in one. By the time you read this, the BC Breeder’s Classic/Casie Coleman day will have already taken place. When Casie put the word out to the industry that she was looking for auction items to raise money for the Royal Jubilee Hospital Burn Unit, the response was overwhelming. Once again, this shows what a great sport we are involved in, and also what the industry thinks of Casie and a great cause. I couldn’t possibly guess before the event how much money will be raised. I also can’t list all of the contributors individually but I would like to thank Mark MacDonald for donating his time and driving commissions to the burn unit, Fraser Downs and in particular Casie. Thanks everyone!!!

November was a very busy month for all Standardbred Canada Directors as the full board met as well as all of the sub-committees. The budget process is a very tough task this year and there will be some tough decisions made. I will have to give you an update next month.

As well, the process to fill the shoes of Ted Smith (Standardbred Canada President & CEO) is well underway. Caldwell & Associates was hired by the Board to find the best candidate available and make sure the process is transparent to everyone. I would like to thank the following SC Directors that volunteered their time to sit on a selection committee with myself to work with Caldwell -- Chuck Keeling, Dr. Maurice Stewart, David Stuart, Jim Lehman, Rick Karper and Eric Johnston. This committee met in October and I left the meeting feeling confident that we have hired a very dedicated group to find the right replacement. And given the job description we came up with, it won’t be an easy task!

I was asked a very interesting question not too long ago. Now that Quebec is near extinct and Alberta is struggling, would SC be looking at reducing the size of the Board of Directors? Although the size of the board has been a contentious issue for some time, I personally do not believe that would be the reason to make any changes. I realize there are times when SC may not be able to do a lot to help a particular cause but we are still the only national body representing Standardbred racing. During my time as Chair, I have pushed for us to become more nationally involved (i.e. through consistent racing rules, consistent drug penalties, etc.) but I also realize that in tough times people have to spend their energy on their own jurisdictions.

I am very happy to see that Woodbine has been awarded all of the Breeders Crown races on the same day in 2011. I am a fan of this format and I wish the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs all the best of luck in 2010.

My 84-year-old mom has just about pushed my laptop off the table with her early holiday baking, so I guess it’s time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope you will be spending as much time with family members as possible!

Until next year!!!