In February, two things come to mind right away...
Of course, there’s the buzz around the training facilities and tracks: “Did you see how quick so-and-so trained their two-year-old this morning? Bet he won’t be around in the fall!”
But on another note, I love to hear stories later in the year about how the low-priced yearling beat the expensive one. We all have to keep dreaming in this business. It helps us get through the winter blues.
The second thought has to be about Valentine’s Day. I remember writing last year that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for women, but I must admit that didn’t seem to help me get any sweets.
Speaking of love in the air... how about the big news that Deweycheatumnhowe and Shadow Play are coming to Ontario? The addition of these impressive stallions is going to raise the bar and force Canadian breeders to upgrade their broodmare bands to compete. Down the road, they might raise yearling averages by doing so! These two stallions will attract mares to Canada, many of whom will remain here so they become part of the Mare Residency Program (which Standardbred Canada administers on behalf of the Horse Improvement program for Ontario). Good luck to all that are chasing the $19 million given away annually in the Ontario Sires Stakes Program!!!
CONGRATULATIONS to all the O’Brien winners and finalists. Who is Horse of The Year, I wonder? There’s no question that Muscle Hill was the big story in 2009, but did the voters believe he made the biggest contribution to Canadian racing?
At the January SC Board meeting, I asked all Directors to discuss what the future role of Standardbred Canada should be. Should we just be a record keeping body? Should we try to bring the industry across Canada under one umbrella? Should we spend more time and resources promoting standarbred racing? I hope I can give you an answer to these questions next month.
The Selection Committee is working very hard to find a new CEO for Standardbred Canada, and they’re going to have to make some very tough decisions soon. I am, though, very confident in the Committee members. We have a great cross-section on the Committee representing you, the members.
Since my last column some major achievements have taken place and I would like to mention them.
Jody Jamieson established a new Canadian dash-win record of 787, and became the first Canadian-based driver since Ron Waples in 1979 to win the North American dash title. He also tied for first with Dave Palone for the Harness Tracks of America Driver of the Year Award. Congratulations Jody! You are a great ambassador for our country. You are articulate, tell it like it is, and try to have fun doing your job.
Ross Galbraith was selected as the 2009 Cam Fella Award winner. Ross is the Chair of the New Brunswick Horse Racing Industry Association and one of the Committee members responsible for the creation of Horse Racing New Brunswick. Congratulations Ross! You have spent thousands of hours working to save New Brunswick racing as well as many hours volunteering as a Director of Standardbred Canada while maintaining a very demanding full-time job.
Mark Abbott banked his first lifetime win as a trainer at Fraser Downs. Congratulations Mark!
There were also a few lifetime driving achievements: Leigh Fitch (7,500), Rick Zeron (7,000), Randy Waples (5,000), Mike Wilder (5,000), and Robert Laffin (2,000).
On a sad note, I would also like to send personal condolences to the family of Niele Jiwan of British Columbia -- a very colourful character in our industry who spent millions of dollars buying and racing horses in our industry. He will be missed all over North America.
Also, Byron Beeler, Active Director from Ontario, resigned from the Board of Standardbred Canada due to health reasons. On behalf of myself, and all Directors and Staff, we wish you all the best. When things get straightened out, I hope you will consider coming back and helping us with your real world knowledge. Thanks Byron, for your tremendous contribution!!!
Until next month!!!
Jackson Wittup
Chair