2014 Race Dates To Be Finalized?

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Race dates for the 2014 harness racing season at Dresden Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park and Leamington Raceway are expected to be finalized on Tuesday, according to a report.

The Chatham Daily News has published an article stating that representatives from those three tracks took part in a conference call with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) on Thursday and will meet on Tuesday to find out their respective race dates allocated from approximately 80 available dates.

According to the article, a proposal was made for Dresden to host 13 race dates, Hiawatha to host a 34 day racing season and Leamington to host 33 race dates.

Last Monday, the ORC announced an Ontario Standardbred Racetrack Alliance as part of an $80 million annual funding deal over five years consisting of Clinton Raceway, Flamboro Downs, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway, Hanover Raceway, Mohawk Racetrack, The Raceway at Western Fair District and Woodbine Racetrack.

Not included in the alliance, Dresden, Hiawatha, Leamington and other regional tracks were left to make business cases for an $8 million per year share of the funding.

The article states that funding details are expected to be finalized by April 1.

(With files from the Chatham Daily News)

Comments

Yes, the sincerity of the new Liberal Government is very suspect. The fact that the Wynne Government continued with the same McGuinty/Duncan appointed transition panel was very telling. She had her opportunity to assign a couple of true horse racing experts to the panel .. but did not.

What's been done so far to integrate horse racing with the OLG's new modernization plan (if one still exists)? Apparently nothing .. just a lot of talk and patting themselves on the back .. but no action.

An obvious and simple first step would be to provide Horse Race Telewagering at every OLG private and charity casino in the province.

Another bandaid from the Liberal government for what the McGuinty-Duncan Liberals destroyed. There are better people in jail.

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