The Manitoba government has released the final report from an external review of Manitoba’s horse racing industry, which focused on the long-term and short-term sustainability of the horse racing industry in the province, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“The horse racing industry has been facing significant financial challenges,” said Eichler. “Our government will review the recommendations so that we can ensure the horse racing industry remains on solid footing now and in the future.”
The review focused on the following matters:
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operational review of the Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit and the Manitoba Jockey Club;
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assessment of synergies between sectors of the gaming/entertainment industry;
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assessment of prospects for other private investment;
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inter-jurisdictional models and best practice;
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development of alternative models including financial analysis regarding implications for the province and economic analysis of impacts on the provincial economy for each option; and
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detailed recommendation for a sustainable model including governance, operation plan, financial plan and risk analysis.
Manitoba Agriculture will work in collaboration with stakeholders on future actions related to the sustainability of the industry. The minister thanked all of those who contributed feedback and insight into the review in addition to the consultants for their work.
Through the Request for Proposal process, Manitoba Agriculture engaged BluSlate Inc. to conduct an independent third party sustainability review of the horse racing Industry in Manitoba. The report was submitted to the Government of Manitoba in October 2018.
The report recommends up to $450,000 of funding for Standardbred racing, replacing the current funding from the Pari-Mutuel Levy Fund (which was more than $270,000) and $300,000 supplemental grant. This funding, according to the report, would support an additional six days of harness racing, and be administered by the Red River Exhibition Association.
To read the full 125-page report, click the following link: 2018 Sustainability Review for the Manitoba Horse Racing Industry.
(with files from the Government of Manitoba)