Quebec Crisis In The News

My dad and I use to go to the then Blue Bonnets and it has left me with a passion for horse racing. Three years ago I bought two horses.

Today I am willing to face the inevitable. Forget about whose fault it is - the truth is clear to see. At 40 years old I was by 20 years the youngest person at the track. The industry has done a terrible job of creating interest among a younger generation.

Here is a clear point - the only tracks that are viable are the ones that have the video machine revenues supporting them. That is an unsustainable business plan because it means the industry cannot stand on its own. It is being subsidized by another form of betting.

THis industry will shut down because the younger generation has fallen in love with Poker and texas hold'em. More glamourous and quicker paced.

it is over - it hurts because the thrill of handicaping a race is unparalleled but it is hard work and the new generation is not interested. So if the mutual keeps going down than the industry will disappear. Having slot machines subsidize it is just prolonging the inevitable.

What is being done to help with these horses? Is there a contact person if people wish to offer homes?

Unfortunately the demise of the standardbred industry in Quebec is also what is happening in Alberta. Where have we, as owners, trainers, drivers, etc. gone wrong? It appears we've sold our souls, our integrity, and the well being and lives of our horses, to "performance drugs", slots and off track betting. We true blue Standardbred people became too trusting and gullible. We should have stood up for our rights and our horses, many years ago, instead of just sticking our heads in the sand and saying "It'll get better!". Well, it didn't and it won't! It's a sad, sad day.

I just hope the right persons will read this Press Story. Any normal human will understand the suffering we all go thru. As we say, it can't be worst so I hope 2009 will bring good news to all the horsepeople in Quebec. Good Luck!

I have attended racing in Montreal and area for many, many years and I can tell you I feel pity for what the horsemen are going through but I can also tell you a lot of what is happening today is a result of their own doing. The strikes, the scandals in the 90s did not help their cause. But with what I see going on today everywhere in racing, the past seems irrelevant. But i will tell you what is needed from the horsemen. The article quotes Yves Filion and let me say he is probably one of the best orators of the group, he can make a case for the industry. The horsemen need a person who can articulate and present their case in a sensible and business like manner. I've attended meetings where the horsemen would grab the microphone and blurt out profanities to make their case. They get hot-headed and lose direction. They should have as their spokesperson one person who can present to the governement, to the people, to the industry in general a well thought out approach of what they need and want. This would be the step in the right direction. A Yves Filion person is who you want to spearhead the group and build a case and present a business plan and not rant and rave about doom and gloom.

it is a sad day when an industry is being severely damaged as it is in Quebec. i feel empathy for any of the drivers, trainers and owners -- they must be at their wits end trying to figure out what to do with their animals.