On Wednesday, January 14, the head of a Quebec breeders' group described the standardbred breeding industry in the province as "at the edge of the precipice."
Alain Vallières, president of the breeders' association SPECSQ, testified in Montreal Superior Court that cancellation of most of the Quebec Sires Stakes schedule in 2008 and the fact no program has yet been unveiled for 2009 has been ruinous for the province's 200 breeders.
Unlike racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques, "the breeders aren't protected by C-36 (creditor protection)," he said.
They now are stuck caring for the yearlings that didn't sell in 2008 when the main provincial yearling auction was cancelled for lack of buyer interest, as well as the babies born last year, with a new generation on the way. Their last significant revenue, however, dates from the fall yearling auction of 2007. Stallion fees have gone largely unpaid since then because mare owners have no money or incentive to pay them.
"Many are on the verge of bankruptcy," Vallières said.
With the 2009 breeding season due to begin in a month, he said the industry still doesn't know if there'll be races for Quebec-bred horses in 2009, much less 2012, when foals conceived this year normally would begin racing.
"Who'll breed in Quebec this year under those circumstances?," he told the court.
Provincial horsemen and breeders are seeking $11 million in Superior Court from Attractions Hippiques, purse money they say was guaranteed but which the racetrack operator failed to pay in 2008. Attractions Hippiques has been in creditor protection since June.
The court case continues today.
(Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)