The HRNB executive board has been finalized. The officers that will assist president Jamie Hachey are

:

• Glen McEwen - Vice President
• Reg Petitpas - 2nd Vice President
• David Lund - Treasurer
• Ian Donald - Secretary

HRNB continues working toward the conclusion of various lease agreements. The immediate financial requirements of the organization have been determined and 2009 industry licensing requirements have been fulfilled. Existing and new service agreements have/are being finalized, operational policies are under development, equipment is being sourced and a website is being constructed.

Fredericton has scheduled its annual banquet for February 21, 2009 at the Fredericton Inn. The Saint John annual banquet will be April 4, 2009 with the location to be determined at a later date.

New Brunswick's 2009 race dates

Collectively HRNB and the Regional Industry Reps have agreed upon the following.

Racing will begin March 7, 2009 at Saint John. Although the weather has been extreme of late and has contributed to questionable regional track conditions, HRNB is hoping for a thaw that will permit horsemen and horsewomen to ready their stock in time for the anticipated inaugural race card.

Due to a variety of factors a pilot project for 2009 will see several race cards in Fredericton held on Thursdays. Saint John will move to Sunday race cards during this test project to provide reasonable multiple opportunities for the Provincial horse population to race.

Enhancements have been made to the to the Woodstock schedule. Woodstock sees a date in June added due to a concert being planned in Fredericton on/around the regular race date. Instead of cancelling the opportunity for Fredericton/Central horse people, the show will roll to Woodstock. The live wager in Woodstock has historically been significant and the event will provide an opportunity to probe HRNB's strategic expansion into fair markets.

Through provincial equipment and staffing modifications, the unification of the New Brunswick racing environment, plus re-negotiated service provider contracts, HRNB will be able to conduct enhanced fair track events at a reduced cost.

The action-packed Woodstock 'Fair week' will see trotting stakes and the Erwin Andrews Open Mare Series on Monday, a possible late closer on Wednesday and The McCain Pace on Friday. The extension of the week will assist in the development of various community, family and youth events to compliment the Agricultural Region.

HRNB at best will have possession of the provinces race facilities with 10 months remaining in 2009. Considering the surrounding provincial race dates and external factors that impact the New Brunswick environment, a race schedule comprised of 66 to 68 race cards was agreed to be in the best interest the industry and its members at this time.

The 2009 dates are as follows:

SAINT JOHN

Saturdays -- all at 1:30 p.m. (March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23)

Then, with the opening of Fredericton, Saint John will switch to a trial of Sundays at 1:30 p.m. (May 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 16, 23)

'Exhibition Week'

• Saturday, August 29 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Double Card -- Maritimer Stake)

• Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 p.m. (ASS 2yo Pacing Colts and Fillies)

• Wednesday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. (Erwin Andrews Open Mares)

• Saturday, September 5 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Double Card -- Invitational and ASS 3yo Pacing Colts)

• Sundays at 1:30 p.m. (September 20, 27 and October 4), then back to Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. (October 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26)

'FREDERICTON'

• Opening card May 18 at 1:30 p.m. with the ASS 3yo Pacing Fillies.

• Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (May 21, 28; June 4, 11, 25)

• Holiday Monday Double Card July 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (July 9, 16)

Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. (ASS 2yo Pacing Colts and Fillies)

• Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (July 30, August 13)

• Monday September 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Double Card -- Williamson Stake)

• Wednesday September 9 at 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Double Card -- Quigg Stakes)

• Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (September 17, 24)

• Closing card October 1 at 1:30 p.m.

WOODSTOCK

• Friday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Woodstock 'Fair Week'

• Monday, August 3 at 1:30 p.m. (ASS 2 & 3yo Trotting Colts/Fillies and The Erwin Andrews Mares)

• Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. (Possible late closer)

• Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. (The McCain Pace)

HRNB’s Hiring Process

Job descriptions are completed and being advertised through Standardbred Canada and regional publications and posted at area race tracks. It is anticipated that HRNB's job fair will conclude mid-February and a number of employment offers will be made at that time.

Resumes may be forwarded by February 7, 2009 indicating your desired area of employment via email ([email protected]) or physically mailed to:

ATTN J Hachey
HRNB
PO Box 2415
Saint John, NB
E2L 3V9

Interviews will be conducted during the week of February 08th 2009. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Available positions are as follows:

• Administrator of Racing
• Assistant to The Administrator of Racing
• Race Charter
• Assistant Race Charter
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Lead Maintenance Person
• Pari-Mutuel Supervisor
• Pari-Mutuel Staff
• Race Day Host/Hostess
• Race Secretary
• Track Announcer
• Starting Gate Driver
• Race Timer
• Event Security
• Bar Staff
• Maintenance Staff
• Paddock Blacksmith

The Board of Directors at HRNB thanks everyone for their cooperation and patience during our transitional period.

(HRNB)