Woodbine Draw Complete

Interesting comments. I feel that WEG in is trying to cheat the fundamentals of Canadian law. Nobody or no corporation is big enough to make up their own rules regarding someones due process in court on Canadian soil! Everyone is entitled to a fair trial. WEG as a Corporation doing business in Canada must play by the rules of Canadian Law.

WEG wants to bully any competitor that they feel may be cheating at any given time. WEG doesn't want the chosen ones(to bully) to have any financial support. Without any financial assistance from OHHA, WEG knows that the people they decide to bully, will just walk away because horseman can't afford to fight WEG without assistance. WEG may be right sometimes and if they are correct the courts will rule in their favour. But what about the individuals who are not doing any thing wrong but winning.(There will always be someone winning more than others). This is where the problem lies, WEG will have the option to just push honest horsemen out of the business because the think they may be cheating. This violates Canadian Law.

Give your head a shake, with the economy in the shape it's in, do you really want to do this? Remember when baseball went on strike? How long did it take for people to forgive them and start going back to the games??? Gimme a break! Let's all play nice together and tell the cheaters to take their toys out of the sandbox and go home.
Maybe members of both WEG and OHHA should go down to the 2nd floor of Woodbine and ask the better's ( yup, that's me) what they think? Or maybe just listen to what they have to say.

you guys that write anonymously are big part of the problem.the honest horseman have to stand up be heard without anonymity.this will separate the honest from the dishonest.i have been around racetracks my entire life and every track has guys who dont want pay taxes(cash tickets)they are for the most part the guys come at 10 and leave at noon most days and call themselves good managers.we need to have stronger policy.true horsemen are a dying breed in this business.

I am not a member of OHHA but enjoy horse racing twice, three times and some times four times a week. I have read a number of comments for and against what is going on and comments from our friends the racing people in the U.S & our western friends, our retired auto worker and everyone make some good points. No one likes cheaters no matter who they are they are bad for any industry,look at the mess of our economey to day and Nortel, Enron, etc. My concern is also for the horse industry. It seems when you read these statements its only Standard bred horsemen that Cheat. WEG has had horses in retention barns because they think they are cheating as well as others that have been caught. Some have been put in retention for doing nothing but winning. No positive tests. Think what that does to these trainers reputation. How is WEG treating the cheating issue with the thorbough bred horsemen? Has their governing body thrown their cheaters out to the mercy of WEG? Or is it the belief that there is no cheaters in this elite group of horsemen. WEG has the right to ask people to leave their (private) property and should continue to have that right. A group of people are trying to make a living in this industry and as such have resorted to crossing the line to maintain a style of living to which they have become accustomed. When all is said and done is this a smoke screen? After all is the sharing of the betting pool
money with the standard bred horse people the real issue. WEG is a corporation and don't kid yourself profit is the name of the game. Hope things can be worked out for the horse industry.

WEG cannot take the LAW into their own hands!

I was called into the race office at WEG and notified to renew my OHHA membership or I will be scratched and not allowed to race until I renew my membership, which I did right then and there in the WEG race office. This happened a few months back???? Just to clarify on the statement below stating that you don't need to be an OHHA member to race at WEG under the old contract.

Every member in OHHA should show up at the meetings for a true Vote. The vote to boycott was based on 120 of the 5,000 members. This is how OHHA makes decisions, and its the members own fault for not showing up. Quit complaining about OHHA. This boycott for them isn't about protecting or defending cheats, its about losing their rights to protect any of their members for any situation. The directors of OHHA put in one vote each as does every other member who shows up. For those who think we should be racing, why aren't you an OHHA member, and why aren't you there voting to not boycott instead of complaining. WEG has no right to make OHHA sign anything stating that they cannot support any of their members at ORC Hearings or Provincial Court or Federal Court. If WEG is right with their decsision to penalize an OHHA member, then why do they care in court or at hearings if OHHA has helped fund a lawyer for the defendant? This is CANADA and the HUMAN RIGHTS ACT governs all ACTS...The Human Rights Act of Canada states that "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty". Why should WEG interfere with this? OHHA should not lose their right to unity. This is the only road block to a new contract.

I am really tired of the sympathy given to owners. Owners are also members of OHHA and therefore should be supporting their association. Also, most owners want an honest trainer, however there are owners who purposely take their horses to known drug using trainers to get an advantage over other owners. As a small stable owner I have been waiting now for 6 months to receive my share of redistributed purse money because of a positive test. The positive was from a horse owned by a large stable and the fine for the positive went to a trainer who trained one horse for that one night. Was this a set up or what? So, after six months, who sees to it that the purse money gets paid back. This big stable continues to race at WEG, the ORC knows the trainer that was fined does not train horses. This is the kind of thing the ORC needs to get serious about, and all horses owned by that stable should not be allowed to race anywhere until that money is paid back - so there are bad owners too!

I salute WEG for making a stand against 'drug cheaters'. What has the OHHA done to remove cheaters from their membership?

OHHA does it again, short fields lead to a small handle on January 1. What that means is your loyal patrons opted to alternative tracks or didn't play at all. Keep it up and watch your base fade away and at the same time I can ignore the horrible Woodbine racing. It's bad racing and I won't bet short fields, this boycott simply makes it easier for me. Thanks OHHA, I appreciate the assist.

This has obviously become one of the most contentious issues of recent time. The number of emails suggest that this issue has made OHHA incredibly unpopular. It is unfortunate that the governing body and its membership disagree on such a fundamental and comprehensive principle as integrity. An organization is only as strong as the support of its membership. Ms. Belore makes a good point on the benefits of OHHA and its tertiary work and few will argue with the value and merit of any of her points; OHHA has also done excellent work in dealing with many of the B tracks and the issues that can disadvantage its members. However, in this case, this industry needs integrity solutions for integrity problems. 2008 provided the betting public with the best racing and media coverage of two of the best horses to be seen in many years, yet the handle continues to decline. This suggests that the destructive nature of integrity far outweighs the best the industry has to offer.

I believe our governing body had better come to terms with the integrity issue and move forward collectively with its membership. An odd paradigm exists when the principles clearly define the problem yet continue to skirt around the issues, and are unwilling or unable to make the tough decisions necessary to benefit both the industry and the overwhelming majority of its membership. With integrity at stake you err on the side of public perception. We cannot continue to skirt around the most pressing issue confronting the industry. The position taken by the membership in boycotting the boycotting recommendation of OHHA is a public relations nightmare for the governing body. Make no mistake about it, the perception is that OHHA is supporting the cheaters at the expense of those who do not. The position taken by OHHA is a losing one from both a membership and public perspective. The recent statement made by WEG to its customers concerning cheating clearly places the ball in OHHA's court. The issue becomes that WEG publicly acknowledges cheating and OHHA takes a soft position on a solution.

I have read all the emails that have been submitted. There have been many intelligent points and common sense statements made in support of intregrity. Conversely, I have not read many compelling reasons to support the cheating side of the equation nor OHHA's susequent position. The titanic is sinking folks and we're wondering what song to sing.

I really don't get something here. Is it true that in order to race at WEG a trainer must be a OHHA member??? If WEG is basically a solicitor of registration for OHHA then what the heck is going on here? Can someone explain this if it is in fact true....

Sadly OHHA is the only voice that horsemen have to represent them in front of the ORC and other bodies in the industry. WEG cannot vilify them for standing with cheaters during their due process any more than one can point fingers at public defenders. They are doing their job and trying to ensure fairness.

That being said to boycott the box is a useless and ultimatly divisive tactic that will once again give WEG leverage to point at horsemen as a bunch of cheats and criminals. If OHHA really wanted to help with public perception, improve the industry, and fulfill their mandate as a voice for horsemen they would adopt policies to work with the tracks to improve our image.

If WEG can exercise private property rights to override ORC rulings why does the ORC exist? Why don't we as horsemen take a stand TOGETHER to stop cheating in the industry? If 90% of us are honest than why are the 10% controlling the game? Why dosen't OHHA spend part of the next few weeks coming up with a REAL implementable anti-doping policy why not work with WEG to improve public perception of the industry?

WEG must also respect that private property or not, the horsemen have a right to be represented by their own group in order to ensure a perception of fairness and due process.

Who didn't enter? Other than OHHA board members? Can anyone afford to lose owners or not to race? I know I can't. As a trainer who has never had a positive, no track has ever told me not to enter my horses. Is this all we have to be concerned about? How about the bet being down 8% again this year? Will a boycott help this problem? I don't think so. Come on people wake up.

Can anyone just answer 3 simple questions for me?
1) What has OHHA really done for any of us?
2)Why do we pay registration fees to OHHA?
3)Where is our money.
I would really like to know.

the should have retention barns for all horses or none.How can you say weg is trying to clean things up when they pick and choose what races are dbarns and which one arent.

Thank-You WEG , please hang in there and stick to your guns. You can't lose, you know it, I know it but OHHA and membership doesn't. Remember, WEG was the only self sustaining operation in the country prior to slots. Keep it up, your doing a wondeful job. The business has benefited due to slots and a positive economy, now the economy is headed in another direction and OHHA has inserted yet another nail. When will the final one by hammered in?

For those who were on the Fellows Bandwagon for not entering and standing up to OHHA call for a boycott....maybe you should look at Saturday enteries,looks to me he has 3 or 4 in.
Good on all the trainers who may be listening to their owners!!!

Question????????? Is the meeting tonight open to ALL horsepeople or only members of OHHA. The impression from OHHA news releases are that membership cards will be checked at the door. If this is the case then they are not listening to the views of all people involved in the industry and only the wishes of their members. What is the % of people involved including owners, trainers etc. is OHHA representing?
A proper meeting would also invlove a debate between both sides giving their side of the problem and involving EVERYBODY who races at the WEG locations the right to be there.

WHAT NOW.........
OHHA it is obvious from both the comments and the entries at WEG that they can continue to race cards and that the majority of people that have written their comments do NOT agree with your stand.

At tonights meeting why don't you just release the sheep that are to afraid to think for themselves or to ask their owners their opinions on whether they should enter their horses on the best circuit in North America.

30 some years ago when I joined OHHA it did nothing for me, and today it is only trying to do harm to my little venture away from the REAL world.
NOW do the RIGHT thing.

I'm sorry I got a little lost here. Was the issue for the boycott revenue sharing, lost race dates or driving owners and bettors away from the industry? To me and others I have talked to it looks like you don't want any integrity at all in this industry because you are all against WEG's privacy issue. As you can read from the comments here, the owners need to race and seem to be the driving force NOT the trainers.

If you people are so worried about WEG's privacy policy, why do you sign a waiver every year and get a sticker?, race somewhere else. If you don't like WEG's stance where were your governing bodies to fight this little sticker when it was first introduced? These negotiations were lost over five years ago, not yesterday. The hope is from a bettors stand point, all tracks will do this, and soon and the owners will wake up and move their horses to trainers who are ethical and drive the cheaters out of the business.

The one statement is true, horsepeople will never stick together, never have, never will, and the reason is that they don't even trust each other or their governing bodies. One would think you would all buy in to this integrity thing or is there not enough to go round? Each racetrack should work with OHHA and the ORC and bolster integrity issues and come up with a common ground. It looks like WEG has almost got it right.

You should be spending your energies on revenue sharing and race dates before you lose it all. It sounds funny as there should already be a foundation in place for all these things but there is not. Start building again now before it all falls down further. Do you really think Sudbury, Sarnia and places like that will be allowed to race with the handles they get? The owners have the biggest challenge here as they have the most to lose.

Do you step up when your horse all of the sudden wins and pays large after getting beat week after week in the same class? Do you step up when all of the sudden your horse improves by three seconds for no apparent reason? Do you step up when your horse races great for two months and then can't beat a fat man? Will you still play dumb when your horse gets a positive? Will you push the judges or the ORC to make the hard calls?

If the owners want to race and get the cheaters out of the game, I suggest you look at your own integrity and decide what is best for you and your horses. Don't let someone else decide for you, as you have all said, it is your money and you have the most to lose. The idea of the points thing has merit also. The drivers should be included also. It doesn't take away your livelihood, it restricts where you can race.

Keep the same suspensions and fines you have now just add points to them and grade the race tracks. So many points you can only race at certain tracks. By the way, you keep losing bettors and race dates, winter racing with this system in place, ouch!!!!!

Don't forget to add a provision that the owners can't move their horses from a trainer for a certain period of time say if a trainer gets locked out of WEG, the owner has to stick with his/her trainer. This should help owners make wiser more ethical decisions for their horses when deciding who their trainer will be, as you all have stated, it is your investment, so why don't you protect it?

Most fans really don't care if you race New Years Day or not. There's still Calder, Fair Grounds, Aqueduct, etc. so you're just one card of 12 on the menu.

Both the OHHA and WEG have to work together to find constructive ways to properly compensate horsemen and ensure a better, more credible racing product.

I was an avid OHHA supporter until recently and have since cancelled my membership... In the 3 years that I was an OHHA member, all I saw done were ways to help the lying cheating horsemen and women out there...

You all say 'Yay' for Rob Fellows, and while he is a great trainer, he might not have as much trouble paying his bills and making ends meet as some others of us. In a day and age where we are facing the worst economic crisis that anyone has seen in the last 75 years, people have bills to pay and deadlines to meet. If OHHA is unwilling to pay these bills, then at least let those who need to race to put food on their table, do so without snide and nasty comments from others.

There is a time and a place to be a hero and stand up for things that are right. Boycotting in favor of a contract that would allow known cheaters back into the industry, racing at an 'A' track, STEALING money from the other honest outfits, is not that time...

So I say, BRAVO!!! for all the people who chose to put their horses in. Congratulations on joining the rest of us who have nothing to hide and don't mind continuing to race at a track who will exercise their right to ban those who cheat. If you are doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide!!!!!

As an American owner who has had quite a bit of success in Ontario, I do not believe a boycott serves a useful purpose over the refusal of WEG to allow certain trainers to race. To me, this appears to be an issue between the horsemen(owners, trainers and OHHA) and the government. The courts should be asked to rule whether an individual approved to race by a government agency (ORC)should be able to be banned by a private enterprise operating under the jurisdiction of ORC also. In the meantime, I think harness racing has too many problems for either side to continue to drive customers away, and risk their never coming back. EVERYONE should look at and study the ten year Canadian wagering chart published regularly in the Canadian Sportsman, and use that as their basis for deciding what is best for harness racing.

I am from the US and not a member of OHHA but occasionally race at Woodbine and Mohawk.
I had intended to put horses in for this weekend but did not, only because as an outsider, I respect the wishes of your association. However, I can't understand why the horsemen would boycot and risk everything you have gained for a few cheaters. From everything I have read, the only hang up is the OHHA's right to represent those people.
WHY would they want to represent people that have stolen from them?? Anyone that is denied the privaliges of racing at WEG has the right to take legal action. Why does OHHA feel that they must be the ones to do so? I don't think that anyone who is hard working and honest has to worry about being ruled off. WEG doesn't just rule a person off for no reason!!
You guys need to question your leadership and pick your fights a little better!!

Did horseman who did not enter their horses even bother to ask their owners if that would be okay?

For those horsepeople that are told that they can't race on private property and insist it is your right to do so, some of us would like to come and camp out at your training facility whenever we want (so that you also can't ask us to leave).

To the writer that wants Buzz Hargrove, take a real close look at the North American auto industry, and explain why the Japanese car makers can make it here and the big 3 can't.

This is a very serious business that owners choose to get into, and can get out just as easy, and for all of you that think you can make it in this business without owners, lets see you try.

A wise old person told me a very long time ago, "The day you sell your integrity you
can never buy it back". My integrity has never been for sale. I fully support WEG in
this matter of integrity. I realize as a customer and owner that our integrity in this
sport is at an all time low. I have chosen to have my horses trained by a very honest,
successful trainer that has not received a positive test over 20+years.

It appears that a lot of people talk about having race dates taken away by WEG in the
future. I don't here people talking about providing quality horses trained by quality individuals that provide competitive racing that the public can have confidence in
and come to the races to wager their money.

OHHA has put my trainer in a situation that he is asked to choose them over me as an
owner because my horse will be entered Tuesday.

"Every now and then you have to put your foot down and make a point of who you really
are".

This business needs to move in a forward direction. I'm all for giving people a second chance, however let them pay their dues, earn their respect back and re-apply
to race at WEG. There is $80 million in purses up for grabs in 2009. They have the
right to decide that the people that race for this have the utmost integrity for the
business, sport and racehorse.

Chris Alexander
Breeder/Owner

congrats to those trainers that were smart enough to enter their horses how can ohha call a meeting to have a vote after 3 days of entries being closed. the proper procedure would be to enter for thursday friday and saturday have your meeting on tuesday evening.you should also be consulting with owners myself and other prominent owners see this as a kick in the face. You are putting a wedge between us and our trainers make no mistake if our horses are sitting out when they are ready to race we will be looking for compensation i hope you have ample insurance.

oh ya someone mentined mr. buz hardgrove good example where is he now a fine mess he left behind is this what you want unions are a bussines you are making a bad dessision this a dying sport.

I'm not sure how/if today's divison with horsemen will negatively impact OHHA's future role in contract negotiations but as I see it, OHHA has been negotiating and representing horsemen for 46 years. Throughout those years, horsemen have never fully agreed (including myself) with OHHA's strategies however, the PURPOSE for standing behind our Association was recognizing the damaging consequences if we didn't ... UNITED, we stand. DIVIDED, we fall.

It saddens me to think the years of hard work, dedication and effort put forth by OHHA's founding fathers and past directors such as Firlotte, Wellwood, Smith etc., may wind up, all for naught. OHHA's agenda has always been representing horsemen, long-term. Those OHHA members that went against their Association obviously have a short-term, self-serving agenda of their own. Thanks for your support guys ... DIVIDED ... we ALL fall.

Hats off to those that did enter.As an owner of several horses I would expect my trainer to enter my horses.I pay him to look after the horses,train them and ENTER IN CONDITIONS THEY FIT IF THE BOX IS OPEN. WEG accepted entries into the box and my trainer works for me NOT OHHA,I pay his bills.Fellows is not a better person or trainer because he had not entered in then Baillargeon is.(Maybe there were no conditions for Fellows or maybe Baillargeon has owners he is listening to.)
That statement shows the mentallity of some people who just want to fight and boycott without first trying to negotiate.Why was this not brought out before December 23 and get reaction from those who are in the industry including owners?The same way they were able to post their position on SC news to boycott, was the same tool they could have informed us a month ago.
I do not agree on some of WEGS policies and at times very angered at things they do.But on the private policy issue I am in full agreement.At least they are showing they do not want these cheaters around that give our industry a bad name.I do not want to race on the tracks where these guys are allowed to go.OHHA on this point is wrong and their approach to boycott WEG is absurd.Who are they trying to protect,the cheaters?This industry is in bad shape,look at Quebec or even at Fort Erie,we do not want to chase more people away by not racing.WEG would be more then happy not to race in the winter.Imagine all the money they can save,as the one armed bandits downstairs will continue to prosper.
It is time that all concern keep in mind that those of us who invested in this industry buying horses, keep the trainers in business who inturn have the drivers making a good salary and bring those that bet into this sport.OHHA has its place to negotiate for the betterment of the sport but not to strike/boycott on every issue they are not happy with!!!

Sad that some people say one thing at the meeting and then choose to do their own thing when it comes down to it!!!!  In the end just for their own short term gain.  These "so-called" members of OHHA should have their OHHA memberships revoked as well as all their benefits and RRSP's thru OHHA.  Why should they get the benefits of OHHA if they are going to contribute to its downfall.  Maybe we should ask the services of Buzz Hargrove, to show some of these OHHA members to learn what standing as one means.Just to clarify one of the issues that OHHA is fighting for:  they aren't specifically fighting for the people who have positive tests....they want the right to represent their members in front of WEG and the bureaucrats at the ORC. Someone charged with a crime in society is entitled to a lawyer. Why should OHHA members have to fight all by themselves with Weg and the ORC.  Are we not worthy of representation. Why should WEG have the right to exclude an individual to race if they are licenced to race by the ORC.  If you allow WEG the authority to pick and choose who they want to exclude from racing at their tracks, where does it end.....someone wins too many races so I think we'll deny them from racing.

I couldn't understand why the horseman didn't stick together today, then someone pointed out something that hadn't crossed my mind. If OHHA is fighting to be able to represent horsemen who are treated unfairly that is great and I am all for the boycott.
This other person's point of view was that OHHA is fighting so they can help get people back on the Woodbine circuit who have numerous positives. I don't consider it unfair treatment to not accept entries from someone who has had numerous positives. If that is the case I think the boycott is a VERY bad idea. Who is OHHA fighting for?

Michelle

I think as horse people we have lost.Who now is going to insist on a contract with OHHA? What strenghth will we have as individuals trying to negotiate with Corporate big shots like WEG or The Great Canadian Racing Corp.Folks we have to realize that Standardbred Racing is only a necessary evil for many of the track owners.Their real prize here is the slot revenues and don't be surprised when the Government decides to put the Horsemens portion of the slot revenues into some other Government pocket.These track owners are still going to be operating the slot parlors and collecting their 10% and the horsemen will be back to racing for nothing at best.
It is hard to decide who is right or who is wrong in this exercise in gamemanship.WEG won the battle there is no doubt and as a united front we lost there is no doubt.Were the guys who entered wrong or were they right? Were the guys who boycotted the box wrong or were they right? There is no perfect answer for the immediate outlook.But what about the long term? Is it possible WEG wanted us to all boycott the box for an extended period and thus not have to winter race.Why do we not get to an impartial arbitration process? Why did the ORC not get involved,do they really care? Why was WEG so insistent on some issues that are so very crucial to the Standardbreds? There are so many questions and so few answers that will solve our real problem,"no fans in the stands when slot revenues cease".
These black eyes we give our industry invariably come back to haunt us eventually.Now these may be small black eyes with some anymosity between trainers and drivers from each side of the fence.Certainly for some there will be a greater anymosity towards WEG.Is this what we as horsemen need?
The World is currently in great financial crisis as we all certainly know.We might take a lesson here and realize that the same short term gratification that was a great factor in this financial demise can also be a factor in our longevity.
If we really all are to be partners in the Horse Racing industry then we must see a change in attitude towards one another.There will allways be differences of opinion as to what is the right course of action.The right course of action must allways be for the greatest good and vested interests must be put aside.
Would a strong impartial Oversight Committee with real power to deal with each segment of the partnership help solve our problem?It would mean another layer of beuraucracy.Could this committee act as final arbitrator in issues like we have before us today and act unilaterally in the best interest of all.It seems this is beyond the mandate of the ORC or surely they would have acted to head off this impasse.
Some people may read this and think I am making a mountain out of a mole hill,I think this is just the tip of the Iceberg.If we don't change and do something different then things will get worse.The old saying,"doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity" it can also be"failure".

Frank Lester

It is truly sad to see the Ontario horsepersons not appreciating their current situation as compared to everywhere else.

Do you really believe the demise of harness racing isn't on YOUR doorstep.

It is ridiculous to think that a boycott will garner support....it is realistic to expect that it will result in a loss of fans...oh well...

We'll race for coolers here and be no worse off...to some it is truly a sport.

I'll bet the owners of horses not entered are a happy bunch!! Let's see....the fans and owners pay the bills....hmmm.....maybe their voices should be the ones that matter. Last time I checked WEG was only asserting property rights if you did (or were suspected of doing) something wrong. If you are racing clean you shouldn't have to worry. All those barred previously by WEG, who were subsequently vindicated, are back racing there now. As a bettor and fan thanks to those that entered. My family has been looking forward to New Year's day at the track for a few weeks now.

The owners paying these trainers 3-5000 a month to train their horses should make the decision it is them it impacts the trainers still get their day rates. You think fellows owners are not paying, this used to be a game any average joe could get involved in but with vet bill training bills shipping bills pre-race approaching 3-5000 a month they have driven the owners out. Sorry but if i owned horses they would be entered because weg has more than enough money to wait this out and as long as the machines downstairs keep ringing i dont think they care if there is racing

I say lets change the OHHA constitution, so that where a boycott actually occurs, then the remuneration of these "leaders" is automatically stopped and resumes only when racing re-starts.

If this happens, I'm betting 1-9 that no boycott will ever be called.

Kudos to the folks that stood up for their rights. Shame to those that entered, especially those that stood up and voted not to enter at a public meeting( you know who you are). Guys like Rob Fellows should be commended for fighting for the rights of those that chose not to fight for themselves.

Shame! Shame! Shame! This is one of the lowest days in Ontario racing. Horsemen should be ashamed of them selves!!!!!!!

Wow! Wow, wow, wow! They'd better stock up on cheese in the paddock kitchen at Woodbine! Hats off to those that didn't enter, but especially Rob Fellows. On the day that there was a story on the SC web site about how the leading trainer's race will go right down to the wire, he STILL had the character to not enter. New question: why hasn't the ORC gotten involved? Is it not their authority that WEG brass is attempting to supersede?

It's pointless not entering because in the end you are just sticking your own foot in your mouth. If there are no cards of racing at Woodbine for people to bet on, we are going to eventually lose bettors and this will negatively impact an already struggling industry. So what's the point in boycotting when it is just going to do more damage than good?

They will only be told to go somewhere else if they are doing something wrong. If you are not doing anything wrong you should have no reason to fear.

WEG is the best canada has to offer as far as harness racing goes always has and always will be. I am proud of the horsepeople who entered to race on thursday and Iam ashamed of the ones who didnt.

The old usual,Horsepeople NEVER stick together.The ones that entered, it will look good on you when weg says take tour entries elsewhere.Stay tuned it WILL happen to someone someday.