Building a racetrack in the greater Montreal area by 2015 remains a primary goal of the Quebec Jockey Club, general manager Vincent Trudel says

in his first message on the jockey club website.

The immediate goal, however, is getting the government to approve rule changes that would reinstate betting parlours in the province.

"This is a crucial step in our efforts to revive standardbred racing since these parlours would offer a better visibility to our industry. This would also help us to increase the number of bettors and, by extension, revenue for the development of the racing industry and horse breeding in Quebec," said Trudel, who has extensive experience in the gaming industry in Canada.

Quebec's privately-owned teletheatres lost their wagering privileges when Quebec racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques closed down in 2009.

The jockey club's main source of revenue at present is internet wagering through HorsePlayer Interactive. Quebecers are betting about $500,000 a week through HPI, which translates into revenue of $40,000 a week for the jockey club.

"One of our stated goals is to double that amount over the next 18 months," Trudel said.

The Quebec Jockey Club will present 20 programs and projected purses of $1 million during its second meet at Hippodrome de Quebec this summer.

(Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)