OHHA representatives attended a National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) meeting in Napanee last night on a proposed racing contract for the planned Belleville racetrack.
The following indented text is a press release issued by OHHA this afternoon.
Local horsepeople turned out in full force for the meeting called by the NCRHHA. That association presented for ratification a contract it had negotiated with Baymount Inc. representatives. The contract was fully discussed and explained, especially the deficiencies local horsepeople had noted during previous meetings on the subject.
Notably, they highlighted the lack of any binding provision to actually operate a live race meet from 2010 forward and the reduction in revenues from pari-mutuel betting dedicated to purses. With no live racing since 2006 and none even provisionally scheduled until 2010 their mood of frustration was evident.
A ballot vote was held, with voting restricted to ORC-licensed individuals residing in the OHHA district #2. Proxy votes were accepted according to the NCRHHA by-laws. The proposed contract was voted down 38 to 22. A motion from the floor was then made and passed by the attendees for the NCRHHA to cease any further negotiations on behalf of local horsepeople and to cease purporting to represent local horsepeople in any way.
NRCHHA representative Russ Moulton gave Trot Insider a different take on the meeting.
"We took a contract forward. It was a working copy," said Moulton. " There are a few things the horsemen want changed so it was voted down. Race dates are a bit of an issue as always. Since the meeting we have already been in contact with Baymount on the issues in question.
"We have open meetings. While OHHA meetings are for members only, we let everyone in. After the meeting was adjourned, a motion was made, but the meeting was already over. The NCRHHA are still mandated by our members to represent the horsemen in further negotiations with Baymount in regard to the Belleville racetrack.
"At the meetings, there were also false statements made about Baymount and their relationship with the OLG. I spoke to the OLG today and they say the relationship between Baymount and the OLG is fine and working. They expect work to go on as scheduled with footings to go in in January and completion of the casino in late fall of 2009.
"We have always allowed people to come to our meetings and voice their opinion but that unfortunately may have to change."
(with files from OHHA)
If Baymount expects the
If Baymount expects the completion of the casino in late fall of 2009 then I was wondering when do they expect the completion of the racing facilities?