Well it’s definitely spring out there now – a very busy time in our industry! How do I know, you ask?
First off, there have been numerous race day cancellations on account of spring weather conditions... from Fraser Downs in British Columbia all the way across the country to Red Shores Racetrack in Charlottetown.
Secondly... foaling has begun across the country as well! At many breeding farms, beautiful babies have begun to hit the ground and broodmares are being carefully rebred for next year’s crop. If you are welcoming new additions to your stable this season, be sure to flip to page 96 to read this month’s piece on naming your foals. There are many factors to consider, so it’s not always as easy as it seems.
Finally, it’s stakes payment time! In the hope of fulfilling our dreams, so many of us pay up our two and three-year-olds into the forthcoming season. Needless to say, April is a bustling time for everyone in our community.
Standardbred Canada has many different items to deal with this spring. Our Taxation Committee has already met regarding Section 31 of the Income Tax Act, we will be meeting with the OLG regarding their land-based gaming and lottery business, and we have a Board of Directors meeting scheduled for April 30.
Be sure to follow the Regional Driver Championships, which are happening across the country this spring to determine who will compete at the 2011 National Championships. That national final will take place at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on May 7, 2011, and the winner will represent Canada at the 2011 World Driving Championship... this year to be held in the United States!
To date we have Dave Hudon and Brandon Campbell representing the West, and Ken Arsenault and Gillies Barrieau representing the Atlantic Provinces. From Quebec, Mario Charron and Sylvian LaCaille will be competing for the chance to wear those red & white Canadian colours. Ontario still is awaiting a determination of their two representives as the racing card at Western Fair Raceway was cancelled due to poor weather conditions the night of the scheduled Championship. May 7 will definitely be a great night of racing out in Prince Edward Island. For more details about the event, you can check out the the first page of our April TROT 4 Kids section, where we’ve shared a points breakdown and other interesting information about the National Driving Championship. Good luck to all participants!
Tammy McNiven