The Quebec's horsemen and breeder associations' unanimous rejection of a government-backed proposal to keep racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques in business may kill the deal, an aide to Quebec finance minister Monique Jerome-Forget confirmed today
.
Catherine Poulin said Jerome-Forget has been emphatic that the support the industry was necessary for the proposal to succeed. Poulin said the minister was "reflecting" on the latest developments.
"This risks having consequences," Poulin said. "An industry cannot function if the people who comprise it aren't on board."
Attractions Hippiques has been in creditor protection since June, and is due back in court March 9 to present its survival plan, which hinged on a new deal with the Quebec government.
The associations want the terms Attractions Hippiques agreed to originally in 2006 -- specifically a new track outside Montreal and $153 million in purses over five years -- respected.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
It's about time you all
It's about time you all stick together, but it may be to late.The Gouv. along with SONACC have been keeping you in the dark for ages, promising you this and that and never coming through with those promises, SONACC who is part of the Gouv. is just there to string you horse people along.It's funny an uneducated person like myself who has voiced my opinion many times could see this. Well GOOD LUCK.