Traditionally the months of March and April are the turning of the seasons and most of us look forward to them with great hopes and expectations. We watch our two-year-olds continue to hone their skills in preparation for the May and June push towards glory. We see the snow (depending on your location) finally retreat away and eventually the fresh green grass replaces the dreary brown mud.
Unfortunately, this season is just the opposite. As I write, there is still no clear answers from the Liberal Government in Ontario as to the number of tracks, race dates, and purse structure. New Brunswick has announced race date reductions and withdrawal from the Atlantic Sires Stakes program. Saskatchewan is struggling to make inroads with government for a funding model that will allow that province’s harness racing participants to become sustainable. Newfoundland’s horsemen and racetrack operator face many issues that need to be worked through quickly before racing can return.
All in all, not the best of times facing Standardbred Canada’s members. Many face great uncertainty in their day to day lives; and that isn’t easy. I sincerely hope that the Government of Ontario has a plan put forward by the time you see this article in print that alleviates some of that burden. It is well accepted that Ontario is the major league of harness racing in Canada. Each and every market of racing in our country relies heavily on the product put forward from this jurisdiction. I do not think the Government of Ontario realizes just how widespread and damaging the reduction of racing in Ontario will be for all corners of Canadian Harness Racing. This all ties together with the ongoing, continuing need to educate government officials.
Spring will come. Changes to racing everywhere are coming. History has shown that racing has and can endure. It must and I believe it will. The character and passion of our participants will lead us forward.