They were a long time coming, but refunds for nominating fees to stakes events not held in Quebec last year are on the way

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Gerard Landry, vice-president of racing for racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques, was asked about the refunds during a court case last week in Montreal. He said the refunds were sent out at the start of last week.

Quebec did not present its major stakes events of the season for two-year-olds and three-year-olds, the Coupe des Eleveurs and Coupe de L’Avenir, in 2008. The Quebec Sires Stakes calendar was only partially completed, because of Attractions Hippiques’ financial woes. Refunds for those events will be in proportion to the amount of announced purses actually paid out, Landry said.

Whether Attractions Hippiques will pay breeders’ premiums for 2008 is still unsure. Normally, they amount to 3.5 per cent of purses and are mailed out in February. Landry said Attractions Hippiques and the trustee now overseeing the tracks still haven’t come to a decision on the premiums.

(Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)