"There appears to be a changing balance within the industry that has probably been to the detriment of overnight racing at Woodbine."
On today's edition of Trot Radio, Norm Borg and Dr. Ted Clarke of Grand River Raceway discuss their personal opinions on the subject of pooling purses from Ontario's harness racing tracks.
"If you think about the fact that many horse can now earn a very significant level of income racing at a lesser fight, where less betting takes place, then you see the industry as a whole the wagering portion is challenged by the fact that not as many people are going to play a horse like XLB Patrick racing at Grand River as they would if he was racing at Woodbine.
In this discussion, Clarke makes it completely clear that he's cognizant of both sides of that argument.
"But the opposite, as there is an opposite to almost everything you can suggest, is that XLB Patrick is much more suited to racing on a half-mile than he is on a seven-eighths. There's always this issue of balance and that's why we need significant discussion to get all of those items addressed."
To listen to the full eight-minute discussion, click on the play button below.
Episode 103 - Grand River Raceway's Dr. Ted Clarke
Running Time: 8:11
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
U must be kidding. You ever
U must be kidding. You ever watch the open races at woodbine? Sometimes a full field of 7 or 8 quality horses. The gate leaves and whamo! Single file before the 1/8th pole.
Please don't try and tell us that the game of harness racing is dying because a $5000 claimer at Sudbury Downs Races for purse of $4000.
And what about all 3rd and 4th chances of repeat positive test offenders. I am all for giving chances but come on.