A lot has happened in the world of harness racing this month with it being early summer of 2011. Baby races all around the country have begun, sires stakes programs are well underway, and the biggest horse race in North America, the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, has come and gone.
Unfortunately, there also have been some very bad accidents over the last month. At Western Fair Raceway, Dave Wall (Mr. OSS) had a very bad accident in which he broke both ankles. Then, a few weeks later, Mark MacDonald was in one of the worst accidents Mohawk Racetrack has seen in years – Mark hit the track hard, with his face and shoulder taking the majority of the damage. Finally, the greatest harness driver of all time – John Campbell – also had a nasty spill and broke several bones, including a knee. Not only do these men (and the others that have suffered injuries in recent accidents) depend on horse racing to make a living, but we depend on these men to help deliver a top quality racing product to the public! We wish them all a full and very speedy recovery.
Standardbred Canada has had a few subcommittee meetings this month. The Taxation Committee met again, and has made tremendous progress in the short time it’s been together. They are awaiting a ruling from the courts before the next step can proceed.
The Stakes Committee also met this month. The crux of the meeting was to establish a formula that Standardbred Canada can use when the different regions across the country apply for stake grants.
What’s coming up, you ask? There is another full board meeting scheduled in July.
Until next month – happy and safe racing!
Tammy McNiven
SC Chair/Presdient