The Quebec Jockey Club is three weeks behind schedule but still committed to its plan to resume live racing in the province this summer, spokesman Joe Faucher

said.

"Unfortunately, it's not possible for us yet to give the details about when we'll race or what the purses are," Faucher said. "We're getting good cooperation from everyone but there are so many rules and obligations to comply with."

The Jockey Club had hoped to resume live racing this year with 50 dates at a former training centre southeast of Montreal, starting in May. That start-up date now seems optimistic, though it hasn't been abandoned yet.

"We're working very hard but we can't promise anything," Faucher said. "For the young horses, the important thing will be having something in place for the fall."

Quebec has not had any live racing since September.

The province got internet betting back last week, after a five-month blackout, thanks to a partnership between the Jockey Club and Woodbine Entertainment Group, but Quebec's 16 teletheatres still can't process bets.

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)