It feels like a cloud is slowly lifting.
Perhaps it’s the fact that the North America Cup is approaching, and we can once again focus our attention on the best racehorses on the track rather than the top political speeches at a podium.
Possibly it is the changing of the guard in Ontario as Dalton McGuinty, Dwight Duncan and Paul Godfrey move on in favour of leaders who continually speak about the vital importance of horse racing in the province.
Maybe it’s a sense of excitement as Trevor Henry heads to France to defend Canada’s World Driving Championship title, so impressively won two years ago by Jody Jamieson. Or, the start of racing at many of the small tracks in this country – the places where many of us watched our first dash or took our families for the first time. On farms across Canada, this is a time of hope as young horses work toward the beginning of their careers, and new foals really start to stretch their legs for the first time.
It would be easy to speak passionately about the vital importance of the integration of racing into gaming strategies across this country, and the recognition of governments that the industry has a huge role to play in the past and future of our country.
But, for the month of June, I will bite my lip. And I will go to the racetrack.
This is a critical time for horse racing. But our role need not be limited to letters and protests to government officials. Like every entertainment industry, vitality is measured by revenues and attendance. A baseball team with empty seats gives the appearance of being in trouble. A concert with no crowd demonstrates a musician that nobody wants to see. And a quiet grandstand or less than empty dining room shows a lack of interest in a product we’re all fighting for.
If you’re reading this, you love the sport. When you convince people to attend our biggest racing days, you are accomplishing something significant. When you enjoy a casual afternoon with friends and family at your local community track, you are sending a message. When you choose Canadian pools to bet your money into, you are helping to tell a positive story.
Sometimes seemingly trivial actions, when repeated by thousands of us, have the most meaning.
Enjoy the start of summer. And have fun at the races!
Darryl Kaplan
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