McClellan and Dr. Reid On Race Dates

Published: December 3, 2008 09:58 am EST

In a note uploaded to its website, Horse Racing Alberta officials Shirley McClellan (chair) and Dr. David Reid (CEO) have commented on the allocation of standardbred race dates for 2009.

To view the allocation of '09 race dates, click here.

The HRA note, which contains five points, was uploaded to the HRA website. The five-point list appears below in its entirety.

1. Why the harness dates in the winter and late fall at Edmonton's Northlands Park: "You have more flexibility in standardbred (racing). They can race in colder weather and more often. And we think we can offer a good meet in Grand Prairie," said HRA chair Shirley McClellan.

"We started off the year with zero (harness) dates at Northlands Park and now have 50," said Dr. David Reid, HRA CEO.

2. What will the purse structure be at Grande Prairie during the 46-day meet (June 13-September 26)?: "We are working hard at a purse structure that will attract top quality (horses) to Grande Prairie," said Reid.

3. The feeling in the thoroughbred community on receiving four fewer days than hoped at Northlands Park, dropping from 100 to 96: "The horsemen don't realize there is a real world out there," said Reid, referring to the slowdown in the economy.

4. Will there be any racing dates at the proposed Balzac facility operated by the United Horsemen of Alberta in 2009?: "We're not saying it's a non-issue but our industry has to know (dates for 2009 right now). At this point, we can't say with any certainty there will be racing (in '09 at Balzac)," explained McClellan.

5. There is speculation the harness horsemen want 50 days at the proposed racing facility near Lacombe: "With Lacombe, we are not sure of the logistics," Reid stated. There is talk within HRA that the Lacombe track could be ready for training next year.

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