Fair Racing At Quinte Cancelled

Published: August 26, 2009 01:10 pm EDT

After much effort put forth by both the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association and the Quinte Exhibition and Raceway to host what would have been a stellar event of fair harness racing dubbed 'The Mane Event,' to be held September 6 at QER, the NCRHHA board of directors have decided not to proceed with this event at QER.

The investment required for putting on such an event would have far exceeded the returns or any profits that both organizations may have made from the days events including the pari-mutuel wagering.

The NCRHHA was fully committed to supporting this event financially; however the cap of $20,000 imposed by the Ontario Racing Commission would mean that horses would be racing for little money making it difficult to fill the card to put on such an event.

The NCRHHA stated that it is very sorry to advise its horsepeople of the decision, but that under these economic times it would not be prudent to proceed with the event.

It was the NCRHHA's expectation that the event would have brought the return of many enthusiastic fans and decent horses that would have been racing for purses similar to other area tracks, as well as pari-mutuel wagering.

NCRHHA had hoped to put some of the purse money back into the hands of the horsepeople of Belleville. Unfortunately, the plan did not work out.

Therefore, the meeting which was scheduled for tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Community Centre has been cancelled accordingly.

(With files from NCRHHA)

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