Jim Vinnell, president of the BC Standardbred Association, has announced that the BCSA Board has been forced to make further cuts in the purse pool due to
the continuing downturn in the economy resulting in a further decline in the wagering handle and slot revenue.
Consequently, the Board has voted to reduce purses 15% across the board for all classes effective the weekend of February 27, 2009 until a further review in late April, 2009.
There will be a cap placed on the purse pool of a maximum of $180,000 per-weekend until the end of April, 2009.
The Board is hopeful that there will not be any further negative factors affecting its revenue and that it will be able to ensure that all of the race dates scheduled for 2009 will be completed as scheduled. Again, it is with regret that this action is necessary.
(With files from BCSA)