Horse Racing New Brunswick has issued an update in regard to the water situation at Fredericton Raceway.

Horse Racing New Brunswick initially issued a release this morning (Tuesday, June 21) which stating that Fredericton Exhibition Limited had refused to turn the water on for barn, track, and horse safety, and that the scheduled July 1 program at Fredericton Raceway is now at risk.

Roberta Nixon, HRNB’s executive director, had said that FEL is “prohibiting HRNB from properly maintaining the track and from meeting federal regulations that will affect race days.”

Nixon issued a follow-up announcement in the afternoon which stated that Fredericton Exhibition Limited then turned the water on roughly an hour and a half after HRNB sent out its original release regarding the matter.

The FEL and HRNB have been in an ongoing dispute this year that has included everything from a lockout to court injunctions.

To conclude the HRNB release on the issue – the contents of which appear below – Nixon said, “Fredericton Exhibition Limited’s refusal to turn the water on does beg the question of whether they want horse racing to continue in Fredericton or come to an end after 150 years?”

Fredericton Exhibition Limited Refuses To Turn Water On For Barn And Track, Horse Safety And July 1st At Risk

“This is about horse safety and well-being. It is also putting our July 1st race day at risk. Fredericton Exhibition Limited (FEL) has publicly complained about the reduced number of race dates at Fredericton Raceway this year, now they are prohibiting HRNB from properly maintaining the track and from meeting federal regulations that will affect race days,” stated Horse Racing New Brunswick Executive Director Roberta Nixon.

HRNB pays the water bills for both the parcel of land they lease from Fredericton Exhibition Limited as well as for water FEL uses for events they hold in their Cattle Barn. They also pay for the plumber that does the work. Nixon explained, “This ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ has been in place for many years and is not written into the lease between HRNB and FEL.” The water valves for most of the barns and water truck are on Fredericton Exhibition property.

Racetracks require ongoing maintenance to keep the surface safe for the horses running on it. One of the most important tasks is applying water. This is done by means of a water truck that sprays the track surface. “Normally we water the track surface daily unless Mother Nature helps us with some rain. On race days it must be watered a number of times,” explained Charlie Miles, president of the Fredericton Horsemen Association.

Also affected will be race days. July 1st is traditionally a busy day of horse racing. Federal regulations require racehorses be tested for performance enhancement. This is done under the strict watch of the CPMA in a test barn that is exclusively for this purpose. Ms. Nixon explained, “The test barn must be properly cleaned and disinfected at the start of the racing season. That requires water. On race days the forensics specialists doing the horse testing require water as well. If we cannot meet those federal regulations, the CPMA will not allow us to hold any races at Fredericton Raceway.”

HRNB recently asked Fredericton Exhibition to turn the water on from winter shut-off. Mike Vokey, executive director of FEL, told HRNB via email a fee of $1,000 must be paid in advance to pay for the water. “We already pay for the water and for the plumber, not to mention the $72,000 we pay in property tax and into FEL’s Capital Fund. Where does it end?” said Nixon. Ms. Nixon continued, “Fredericton Exhibition Limited’s refusal to turn the water on does beg the question of whether they want horse racing to continue in Fredericton or come to an end after 150 years?”