Officials from Manitoba thoroughbred track Assiniboia Downs have stated they are not pleased with provincial regulator Manitoba Horse Racing Commission, claiming that controversial decisions have cost them fans and business.
A report today in the Winnipeg Free Press states that Manitoba Jockey Club president Harvey Warner has claimed that actions of commission stewards have undermined the credibility of racing, unfairly tarnished the reputations of the track's jockeys and driven away racing fans.
Stewards at Assiniboia attracted attention earlier this summer when they announced an investigation looking into claims of race-fixing at the track. The course of action proved to hit a snag when exercise rider Trevor Dove, reportedly a key piece to the case, returned home to Jamaica without entertaining questioning from MHRC commissioners. The Winnipeg Free Press article states that it was alleged that Dove placed bets for jockeys.
"For a long time I've been loath to say anything because they're the regulator and the referee that everyone loves to hate," the Winnipeg Free Press quoted Warner as saying.
"But having said that... if you're going to be making serious allegations of things like race-fixing, then you'd better have some evidence to back that up, and we see now that they clearly didn't.
"I think it's fair to say that they made our job extremely difficult this year... I think it would be fair to say they have cost us business."
To read the Winnipeg Free Press article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Winnipeg Free Press)