Quebec's harness racing industry now has a permanent base. Two months after announcement of an agreement in principle, the non-profit Quebec Jockey Club has closed the deal to acquire Hippodrome Trois-Rivieres
, dormant since the collapse of racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques in 2008. It intends to present 10 days of live racing at the venue from July to September this year, with an expanded schedule in 2013. The plan is also to make it into a multi-purpose, year-round entertainment facility.
“I’m truly very encouraged we have been able to purchase what is an excellent facility - $16-$17 million was spent on it in 2006-07 - with a significant deposit and financing from National Bank,” said Jockey Club president Tony Infilise.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the unity of the industry. We have a 15-year contract with ATAQ (the provincial horsemen’s association). We have rule changes that allow off-track betting parlours. We’re building a foundation for the future growth of the industry in Quebec. We’re maybe not going as fast as we’d like, but we’re moving steadily in the right direction.”
The QJC hopes to eventually open a track as well in the Montreal area, when it’s financially viable to do so.
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)
BONNE CHANCE, remember do
BONNE CHANCE, remember do not let the CORRUPT QUEBEC GOUVERNMENT have anything to do with it, there promises are never kept.Watch your BACKS.There are thousands of HORSE RACING FANS in Quebec that are funneling money else where, why not keep it in Quebec.
Hope it becomes successful.
Hope it becomes successful. The way Ontario is going there maybe more horses going to Quebec, out east and out west.
In reply to Hope it becomes successful. by peter3059
I hope this is a positive
I hope this is a positive turning point for harness racing in Quebec. Horse racing can definitely be successful in Quebec with the right people making the important decisions. It's a shame that there will be no more racing at the track in Quebec City and Montreal, but if things work out, maybe a new track can be built in Montreal. Quebec has far too rich a history in Quebec to let it just disappear. Cela peut etre le debut d'un brillant avenir, bonne chance !