I thought it would be great to hear from across the country with some updates from a few Standardbred Canada directors.

Mary Austin from B.C. has the following report: This year has seen some positive developments for harness racing in British Columbia. Harness racing received $7.2 million in allocation money to operate for 2012 allowing the industry to plan the purse budget for the year and allocate monies to the B.C. Bred and B.C. Breeders bonus. As well, the two-year-old starter bonus is being continued with hopes of encouraging investment in young horses. For 2012, 82 race days have been assigned, spread over 9 1/2 months, a great help in stabilizing the industry after the drastic reduction of the racing season in 2011. After just completing the annual Pacific Yearling Sale, one would have to conclude it has worked. With a total of 49 entries, the bidding was lively and saw a sale average of $6,520, an increase of 21 per cent over last year. This year saw the first time that standardbred racing was conducted at Fraser Downs in the month of August and handle and attendance have continued to increase each week. This summer/fall session marks the beginning of a new career for Darren Callaghan as the Fraser Downs Race Secretary; he has been working with the HRBC board to create a new and exciting condition sheet. As with anything new, there have been some bumps along the way but we are confident that with co-operation and open minds it will be an exciting year for harness racing in B.C.

Kent Oakes from P.E.I.: The focus of Atlantic harness racing was on Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Thanksgiving weekend, for Atlantic Breeders Crown 2012. The Friday Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale saw a 20 per cent increase in average price, with sale topper Woodmere Artisan, a son of Articulator, who sold for $20,500 to Dianne Filmore of Nova Scotia. Consignor was Woodmere Farms (Est. of Wally Wood) of Charlottetown. Saturday’s sold out awards banquet saw the MacKinnon family of Cape Breton, the Deering family of Newfoundland, the Goguen family of New Brunswick and the Whelan family, originally from Alberton, P.E.I. recognized for their long time contribution to harness racing. Saturday’s ASBA Consolations and Sunday’s Finals had an increase in live wagering both days. Highlights included Touch Of Lightning winning the 3YOPC division in the fastest stakes winning time of the weekend in 1:54.4 while 3YOPF Malabrigo remained undefeated in 2012. Overall a very positive event for the Atlantic regional industry.

Dean Rey from Manitoba: In Manitoba we have finished a successful racing season. We are currently negotiating with the provincial government to get a long term plan in place that includes racing at Assiniboia Downs and more race dates. We are also discussing other alternatives to generate funding, including the potential of VLTs or a racino.

Rick Karper from Quebec: Quebec is undergoing an incredible “rebirth,” thanks to the Quebec Jockey Club (QJC) and the leadership of Tony Infilise. This year, having been forced out of the Hippodrome de Quebec, which is being replaced by a new hockey arena with the hope of an NHL franchise, the QJC purchased the racetrack in Trois Rivieres, now renamed “Hippodrome 3R.” The track opened its doors on September 9th to an incredible crowd of 6,000 fans and bus loads are arriving for the Sunday and Tuesday programs from as far away as Montreal and Quebec City. They are also opening new off-track betting parlours.

Both the Hippodrome 3R and the teletheatres are off to a great start and projections of future purses are continuously upgraded. Next year, there will be 40 days of racing at 3R. The longer term goal is to have a racetrack in the Montreal area.

Bob Roach from New Brunswick: There is an air of optimism with Maritime harness participants, Horse Racing New Brunswick has signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodstock First Nation Economic Development Corporation to develop an entertainment centre in the Saint John area that includes a racetrack. This agreement is now awaiting government approval.