Meridian Farms owner Bill Andrew and Meridian Farms East operator Brian Andrew have spoken out in light of the announcement from the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission that live racing and simulcasting at Truro Raceway will be discontinued after Sunday, July 14.

A notice sent out to horsepeople earlier this week stated that all horses have to off the Truro grounds by August 15.

“As a breeder you don’t want to see it happen because [Truro Raceway is] part of the Maritime scene. We don’t just breed horses for P.E.I., we breed horses for the Maritimes,” said Brian.

Brian's comments have come via an article on the situation which has appeared in The Guardian. Brian's brother, Bill, has experienced similar unstable situations in the province of Alberta in the past.

“It happens because you get exhibition boards that won’t have the same relationship with the racing committee (as previous members) and they think racing is costing too much and they shut things down,” Bill was quoted as saying.

The report has also cited Bill as saying that people outside of the industry just do not understand how many jobs are associated with horse racing. He was also cited as saying that the plight of the Nova Scotia and its importance to the provincial economy needs way more exposure than it is currently receiving.

“You need 100 horses every time you race, with all the services you have at least 300 to 400 people directly involved and many others," Andrews explained. "Think about how many businesses would have 200 people employed.”

(With files from The Guardian)