“When [Alberta Downs' owner Robert Allen] gets this all done, gets his grandstand all finished up, gets a roof on the stable, maybe a couple more barns, there won’t be any other 'B' track like it in all of North America
,” trainer Joe O’Brien has been quoted as saying in an article published by the Red Deer Advocate.
“In another year or so he’ll have this it tip-top shape,” furthered O'Brien.
Alberta Downs has now hosted four pari-mutuel cards. Standardbred horsemen in the province have faced a boatload of adversity in recent years. Those horsemen are very grateful for Allen's efforts to help the industry out.
“The guy’s done a remarkable job for our industry," driver Jeff Stone was quoted as saying. "He’s really determined. I think he’s a real plus for standardbreds and thoroughbreds.”
Click here to read the story in its entirety.
(With files from the Red Deer Advocate)
I'm curious. I saw where AD
I'm curious. I saw where AD handled around $5,000 a day over the weekend. Obviously, they're expecting revenue beyond pari-mutuel commissions. What's the story? Are they going to have a casino somewhere? Short of that - perhaps even taking that into account - I don't understand what type of revenue stream would be substantial enough to fund any further development of the complex or even its continued operation.
Brian DeJong