Responding quickly to last week's appeal from the Quebec Jockey Club for a clear mandate from the industry, the Quebec horsemen's association (ATAQ) will mail out ballots to its members this Friday
asking them to endorse or reject the QJC.
The mailing also will include explanatory statements from the jockey club and the breeders' division of ATAQ, both of whom want to deal directly with the Quebec government.
ATAQ president Marc Camirand said the board won't be taking position, since it could "come back to haunt the directors," so members will have to inform themselves and make their own call. The result of the vote will "send a message to the government" that the Jockey Club is or is not the official spokesman for the industry, he said. A response returned by Aug. 23 means results should be tabulated by Aug. 31, he added.
The Jockey Club, a non-profit corporation overseeing racing in the province since 2010, wants to be the conduit to government for all industry matters. It did not appreciate recent efforts by breeders to deal directly with the province.
President Tony Infilise said last week that if the industry is not happy with how it's managing the business, it'll close shop at the end of this year.
(Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
Come on everybody in Quebec.
Come on everybody in Quebec. If, like me, you are not a member of ATAQ any more, send in your $50.00 so you can vote and support the Jockey Club. This is your last chance. The ballot is being sent out on Friday. Racing or no racing - it's up to you now.
The horsemen's association
The horsemen's association (ATAQ) in the province of quebec (la belle province) must realize that the QJC is trying to revive the horse industry in quebec. The QJC, in my opinion, have the necessary skills,and connections to re-start this dead industry. Without the QJC, the horse industry in quebec is completely "dead". ATAQ should work side by side with the QJC, and let the QJC be the sole negociator with the goverment of quebec. Tthe QJC does have the necessary prominent people (vincent trudel etc) to negociate with the goverment. that being said, ATAQ members should stop whining and let the pro's (QJC) do the work. bonne chance!