To government, it’s a game of chess. Protect the politicians — their kings and queens. Guard the precious programs — their knights and bishops. Appear strong and unfazed — their sturdy rooks.
And of course there are the loyal pawns. Those pieces that are sent forward to distract, and make space for the others on the board. Leave them unprotected. Helpless. Sacrificed.
Regardless of how the days and months go forward, I will always wonder. Not why, during the spring of 2012 the people of horse racing were designated as the pawns in a game dictated by bravado and gamesmanship, but why our governments have done it the way they have.
As I look at a confusing 543-page report on reforming Ontario’s public services, and a massive 668-page Drummond report, I see that the horse racing industry is not discussed in any truly meaningful way. Yet, I am struck by the fact that the Ontario government’s number one talking point seems to be its position to discard horse racing.
We hear bold and deceptive radio ads, social media bursts that are miles from the truth, and a scene in the legislature that would embarrass my son’s kindergarten teacher. To witness top ranking officials belittle our industry with half-truths and poorly researched one-liners is extremely difficult to hear and even tougher to take to the gut, as all of us have.
But we are the pawns. We step forward into battle because we have no choice but to fight. We are many and we are strong. But our voices are muted by their volume, by their shouting.
For us there was no 600 page study before making decisions. There was no look at the social, economic and cultural losses our provinces will suffer if we are all discarded. There was no evaluation of the billions of dollars around the world invested in our racing and breeding products. There was no consideration or awareness of what we are, what we do or what we mean to our provinces and our country.
When you parade the pawns in front of your enemy, you can throw them off your scent, and distract them from your true objectives. It is a strategy that chess players are well aware of and use to great effect.
But every once in a while, in the longest of games, a pawn slowly creeps her way forward. One step at a time, inch by inch, struggling for her survival. And when she finally reaches the end, she becomes a queen, the most powerful and respected piece on the board, appreciated for all she brings to the table. In all her glory.
Unrelenting in our purpose. Unwavering in our objectives. Unwilling to be defeated. Canadian horse racing — that is who we are.
By Darryl Kaplan
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