Last Thursday's meeting of the Horse Racing Alberta board produced a vigorous discussion on the state of the provincial industry, but didn't produce a much desired schedule of dates for 2009.
What it did produce is approval for another go-round by all stakeholders at the same table to see how one 'A' track, Northlands Park, can accommodate two breeds, thoroughbred and harness, until the challenges in Calgary are overcome.
New HRA chair, Shirley McClellan, presided over her first board meeting, which was also the first meeting for seven other new members representing various stakeholder groups.
"I didn't take this job to preside over the death of any one breed," McClellan told HRA prior to the meeting. "I had a hand in the development and adoption of the Horse Racing Initiative back in 2002. I believe in it. I believe in the industry and most importantly, I believe in the people. We're going to find a way through this and we're going to be a stronger industry going forward."
(HRA)