"People won't appreciate what we had here until it's gone. This racetrack is older than the Montreal Canadiens."

Those were the words of Quebec trainer Max Bradette in an article by Paul Delean published yesterday in the Montreal Gazette.

Delean queried more Quebec trainers for his piece, and the responses were concise and to the point -- evident of the serious nature of the climate in the province's industry.

"There's suppliers, blacksmiths, veterinarians, truck and trailer sellers, truckers, the farms we get hay and grain from," said conditioner Marcel Barrieau. "I don't know if the politicians have any idea what's involved. This isn't a small industry. It's millions of dollars."

Renowned horseman Jacques Hébert also let his feeling s known.

"These have been the worst few days of my life. I don't know what tomorrow holds, honestly. I never in my life thought I'd see this in Montreal. Suddenly, after 101 years, no live racing. Montreal is closed while the small tracks (In Trois-Rivières , Quebec City and Gatineau) are open. I don't understand. It's completely ridiculous. Somebody didn't do their job somewhere, that's for sure."

Click here to read the Montreal Gazette article in its entirety.

(With files from the Montreal Gazette)