Spring is a time of renewal in our industry. Lights are on late in foaling barns, as the arrival of a potential champion is eagerly anticipated. Two-year-olds are being carefully developed at our many farms and training centres, with hope that we will all have the next Somebeachsomewhere .

Spring evokes newness, the beginning of a flourishing new season.

This year, perhaps more than any in recent memory, there is a wide range of emotions about what this new season will bring.

For our fellow horse people in Alberta, there is the optimism of a new track in Calgary with the planned opening of Century Downs in late fall. This will re-establish standardbred racing in a traditionally strong market, and no doubt continue to grow their breeding and racing industry. Perseverance has been the hallmark of this initiative in Alberta, as this project worked its way through many obstacles and challenges.

In Quebec, a remarkable turnaround is underway. Since taking over what was a moribund industry, the Quebec Jockey Club has re-established a wagering base across the Province, and grown race dates each year of their existence. The re-establishment of the Prix d’Ete this September will be a watershed moment for Quebec, as one of the marquis names from our industry’s past returns. Congratulations to the QJC and the province’s horse people as they continue to rebuild their industry.

In Ontario, we have a time of tremendous transition, as the province’s racetracks form an Alliance to co-ordinate their racing program. The cancellation of the Slots at Racetracks Program has had widespread impact on the provincial and national industry, which has been felt directly by thousands of horsemen and women.

The SARP cancellation has impacted core revenue items at Standardbred Canada in items such as memberships, track revenue, eligibility fees, and registrations. These range in magnitude in various categories, and have driven expenditure reductions of over $1.7 million over the last four years. Overall staff numbers have also been reduced. Our Board and management team have made many difficult decisions over this time in response to a quickly changing revenue environment.

In some other provinces, racing is struggling, often due to a lack of understanding and appreciation of governments of the many benefits of our industry.

In my home province of Prince Edward Island, we have a vibrant Industry Association, which has strong discussions behind closed doors, but which always relays a united message to government. Our grassroots horse people do a great job of letting our public officials know of their appreciation for our industry/government partnership.

Our challenge as a National industry is to unite and work together. One of my enduring memories of the recent O’Brien Awards weekend is of the commonality we share in our industry, regardless of geography. We are an industry with a tremendous history and core brand, connecting and impacting on urban and rural Canada like few others.

We have a great story to tell, let’s all commit to doing our part.