HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

I recently looked up the definition of ‘stability,’ and after reading it, I think all of us in the industry are only hoping to achieve this goal. We have all realized that the sport of standardbred racing does not ‘owe’ us a living, but with stability, we can try to control our own destiny.

Since my last column, the Meadowlands saga continues, and now you can add Fraser Downs to the list of troubling situations. Hopefully, when you read this in October, some of the major questions will have been answered in both cases. As I am sure you have read on the Standardbred Canada website, the new track near Calgary (Balzac) needs $32 million by February 1, 2011 to continue on with the project, though there seems to be some new enthusiasm towards this project of late.

I would like to thank Shirley McLellan (Chair of Horse Racing Alberta) for inviting me to a brainstorming session in August to give thoughts about the future of Alberta racing. I genuinely hope that the 80 industry stake-holders who attended the session came away with the thought that we all must save horse racing (not a particular breed or interest) and work together. Many ideas put forward to HRA were pipe dreams, but at least everyone was in the same room because of a passion for the horse and horse racing. Good luck Shirley!!!

From all reports that I have received, the Racing Development & Sustainability Plan is causing a lot of debate -- are you for or against? At the time of this writing, over 600 signatures had been added to the petition, and many individuals continue coming forward with endorsement of the plan. I can’t wait to see how this plays out -- I believe it will tell us all if we are willing to accept change and move this sport forward.

Speaking of change, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency or CPMA (the federal regulator of horse racing in Canada) released the pre-publication of the proposed amendments for the betting supervision regulations. In my opinion, it looks like there is a concerted effort to have less legislation. It also frees up our ability to try and fast-track changes that racetrack operators may like to make with regards to wagering innovations. This document can currently be viewed on the Standardbred Canada website at www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/8-31-10/cpma-releases-amendments-review….

Congratulations this month go to Todd Budd and Dawn Lupul -- Todd won his first ever drive at Grand River back in August, and Dawn Lupul was recently selected by WEG as a part of their broadcast team.

Another reminder, time is running out. If you have an interest and feel you are qualified to lead Standardbred Canada in the future, now is the time!!! Director nominations close on October 25th. Flip to page 71, check with your local Director, or visit our website for details. We have lots of exciting projects going on!!!

Until next month!!!