OHRIA: Tell Them How You Feel

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association is encouraging members of the province's horse racing to send feedback to the panel assigned to shape the future of racing.

According to Leslie, OHRIA has "received literally thousands of messages of concern from Ontarians" and has started replying to these emails with a very simple request; ‘tell them how you feel’.

The panel, expected to make recommendations to the government by the end of the summer, is made up of three former cabinet ministers -- Elmer Buchanan, John Snobelen and John Wilkinson. While OHRIA is pleased to see the government "creating a point of contact" for the the quarter-horse, thoroughbred and harness racing industry, Leslie stresses that she's "deeply concerned that the government appears to support shrinking our industry, and believes a $50 million dollar transition fund over three years is appropriate."

Leslie continued to say that "OHRIA will continue to do all we can on behalf of the entire industry to protect our jobs and way of life" and that the panel hears directly from the people whose lives are impacted by this decision.

"I wouldn’t think to tell you what to say to them, but would strongly encourage you to share with them how the government’s treatment of our industry impacts you, your family and community," said Leslie.

Please email [email protected], use the Panel feedback form or mail to:
Horse Racing Industry Transition
c/o Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West
2nd Floor
Guelph, Ontario
N1G4Y2

Comments

Mr. Adler speaks the truth others call it Hell. It says all that needs to be said about the situation!!

Already done before OHRIA's request but I'm not very hopeful that it will make a difference. This panel was formed by a corrupt government, is being paid by that corrupt government and will answer to that corrupt government. One of them had his mind made up before he even sat down at the table, one is a Liberal through and through. I had hoped that John Snobelen would bring some sanity to the group but I'm not counting on anything anymore that is connected to the Liberals in any way, shape or form. We keep putting our faith in one thing or group after another only to be slapped in the face time after time. It's time to stop playing silly games and to take the bull by the horns.

I will NOT attempt to tell my story to this LIBERAL LOADED Panel. Wilkinson is a
Liberal thru and thru & It would be interesting to know just how much of My tax dollars and Yours is being spent to tell us what we already ...they don't give a damn.....
I have told my story to Horwath, Duncan, McGuinty & our MPP Randy Pettapiece. If the PC's want us next time out then they should scream loud and long about what this so called government,(more like a dictatorship), is doing to us. I just hope there is enough money in the WELFARE FUND to help us all..Is there a form or something that we will have to fill in, I have never had to go on WELFARE ???

There is still a chance for the horse racing industry as a whole: thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter horse, to get the message out to the people. Has anyone thought of setting up a display at this Sunday's Queen's Plate to reach out to the fans who have come to Woodbine for this important day of racing, perhaps with a petition to try to get the government to reconsider its position? That would be an opportunity to seek public support for the industry whose product that public is enjoying. I was very impressed with Randy Waples' post-race interview after winning the North America Cup last Saturday. He did not waste the opportunity to say "Thank you, everyone, for coming to the North America Cup!" and letting the fans know that they were appreciated. Where is the initiative, leadership and flexibility to say "the people are coming to us; let's not waste this opportunity to get them on our side and do everything we can to save our sport!"?

It's too late . . .the fat lady is getting ready to sing . .. we should have rallied and shut the 401 down . .shut the slots at Woodbine for a few days as well .. . 8% of the people in this bizness don't care . ..%90 are in denial ..do the rithmatic folks it's over . . .Hopefully Ohio will welcome us to there Racinos . .

Frustrated as many of the people are in this industry. Frustrated with our supposed leaders. Leaders with alterior motives and hidden agendas. Frustrated with the entitlement attitude within this industry. And, now frustrated with the continuing deterioration of the sport - Woodstock yesterday; 12 races - $48,900 in purses -mutual handle:$2,966!

Any responsible leader in our sport would find the solution. And therein lies the rub!
Yours for integrity, transparency and accountability,
Marty Adler

What we needed to do was stop this budget - not wait for someone else to do it for us. Again, horsemen much too quiet.

I have just finished emailing my story to the horseracing committee. I don't know why I did it really because I think that it is a waste of time. They have heard it all before . They don't care. We have to start doing something drastic that will get their attention. Maybe we should start picketing the slots & don't allow people in .That might get some attention. Writing letters is not going to cut it.

Ontario racing industry will only survive with the pari-mutuel and the offtrack betting.

Organisation like the bookmaker in England or the most respected system, The PMU, (pari-mutuel urbain) in France. www.pmu.fr.

The PMU is in many countries, except America.
You get your financing form the pari-mutuel or you close the doors like in Quebec.

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