The Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) appealed the Notice of Decision issued by the Director, dated November 5, 2008, with respect to Georgian Downs and Woodbine Standardbred.
A Notice of Intent to Appeal was also received by Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) with respect to the Woodbine Standardbreds.
The Notice of Decision detailed the Director’s approval of the application to change its approved 2009 race date schedule from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC) for Georgian Downs and the application to change its approved 2009 race dates from Woodbine Entertainment Group for Woodbine Racetrack (Standardbred).
Upon hearing all the evidence, the Panel denied the appeals.
To view the details of the hearing and the reasons behind the decisions, click here.
(ORC)
It's surprising that there
It's surprising that there is no customer fatigue for Gambling at Georgian Downs only for racing fans. If the weather and concern for patron and staff welfare is such a big issue in the minds of The Great Canadian Gaming Corporation then why don't they shut down their slot operation simiarly.
I am sorry to hear that
I am sorry to hear that Georgian Downs will not be racing in the winter months. I have not been getting in regularly since the Summer tracks closed, and I fear it will only be worse come the Winter.
This comes at a bad time for everyone. We need racing, can the money be sent to Flamboro and have them add the two days a week? (I already know the answer).
Does the Ontario Racing
Does the Ontario Racing Commission really understand the underlining issue's involved with the ruling as it pertains to Georgian Downs and the cutting of dates in January and February ????
Great Canadian Gaming like any other publicly traded company, looks at the bottom line and how they can increase profitability while cutting costs. The past several years the company has shown slow first quarterly earnings. With the devaluation of their stock recently they have to look at areas in which they can increase the overall value to its shareholders, one is droping the slow first quarter at Georgian Downs. Not to say that they did not make money, but it looks better in the annual report.
What the ORC fails to see is that major corporations will push the envelope to the point that they control the destiny of racing in Ontario. Did we forget that the HORSES are one of the biggest reasons why they have the machines in the first place.
Many other issue's are involved with this decision but it would take to much time to discuss them here. ONE MUST QUESTION THE REAL MOTIVES BEHIND THESE DECISIONS AND NOT JUST LICK THE ICING.