The Ontario Racing Association (ORA) will be hosting informal information sessions with Standardbred horsepeople at Western Fair District on Tuesday, February 9, and at Mohawk Racetrack on Wednesday, February 10.
"No statements, no speeches," ORA's Executive Director John Snobelen has promised.
"It'll be a one-on-one casual setting. We just want to say ‘hello’ and discuss the new responsibilities of ORA, Ontario Lottery and Gaming and the Ontario Ministry of Alcohol and Gaming beyond April 1, 2016. We also want to hear your thoughts on the race program, and will try to answer questions,” Snobelen has been quoted as saying.
"The ORA is an overall partnership of breeders, professionals, owners, tracks, government, Ontario citizens, and of course, our fans from around the world."
"Partner opinions matter," says Snobelen, "and although ORA will have Committees and a Board of Directors to guide it, these information forums will be ongoing for each of the three racing breeds.
"It'll be a never-ending tour, as I see it, at various locations in the ensuing months and years. Everyone will have the opportunity to communicate with us."
Western Fair District will host the ORA event from 1 - 3 p.m. on February 9 in the Carousel Room (via main Grandstand entrance – then to the Second Floor and follow the signage).
Mohawk's information session will take place on February 10 from 1-3 p.m. in the Sports Lounge – please use the separate entrance to the left of the main Grandstand doors.
(ORA)
There are likely many of us
There are likely many of us who would like to attend, particularly owners, who have jobs outside of the industry and are not able to make these afternoon sessions. I understand that this timing is likely better for those participants that are actually racing horses (trainers, grooms, etc) but for owners who can just make it to the track in time to see their horse put their nose on the gate or who have to watch from afar, it would have been nice to have at least one evening session that might have taken this into account.
all racing participants
all racing participants should attend information sessions for a opportunity to give input and receive answers