A union representing employees of racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques is asking the Quebec government for a change in legislation it says might save some of the 300 jobs imperiled by the company's
precarious financial status.
Current rules restrict a racetrack's simulcast market to a specific geographical area.
"We're not asking Mr. Bachand (Finance Minister Raymond) to inject more money into the racing industry, because we're aware of Quebec's difficult budgetary position. We are asking him to abolish the rule," said Serge Bérubé, head of Teamsters local 1999.
An aide to Bachand said last week the government would not be modifying the rule, which Attractions Hippiques had made a condition of its restructuring plan. The company has been in creditor protection since June of 2008. Sunday, it indefinitely suspended live racing at Sulky Quebec in Quebec City, the only track in the province where it's presented live racing this year.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
Maybe the offer that was
Maybe the offer that was turned down by the breeders doesn't look so bad now,
too bad it's too late, would not mind seeing our 3,4 and 5 claimers racing for $3,$4,$5000 purses guaranteed till 2015 at the 3 small tracks now,...
But as it is now, Aylmer sold, Trois-Riveres soon sold !!!
maybe someone should have realised what kind of machine they were up against,...obviously a stronger one than they thought !! too late now,
the damage is done.