The 2009 Standardbred Canada Wagering Conference in Windsor, ON, has just concluded and I am writing this column from my room looking across the river to the Detroit city center. My trip to the conference got off to an interesting start when I found out there was a taxi strike. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an unmarked passenger van appeared and a fellow asked the three of us standing there if we needed a ride. As it turned out, we were all going to the Gaming Summit. During conversation with my newest best friend (van driver), I found out there was also a city workers strike and he informed us that garbage pickup is a major problem. Not knowing all sides of the stories, I am wondering how you can go on strike in a city facing so many layoffs due to the recession and the toll it has taken on the automobile industry? I am sending this column in early in case I have to walk to the airport and don’t make it. Why didn’t I get the phone number of my newest friend?
So what was the one most important thought I took away from the 2009 Wagering Conference? Horse racing needs to target and attract Generation Y. I am told this group was born after 1980 and they can do everything and anything using their electronic devices. Larry Flynn (Senior Vice President Gaming, Ontario Lottery and Gaming) stressed that all sectors of gaming must attract the younger generation. “The product that we have now does not stimulate the younger generation,” he said, “and we need to find products more in line with what they are looking for.” We were advised that this group likes ‘skill-based gaming’ -- and horse racing can certainly meet that criteria. That sounds easy; lets go find them! (Just don’t be surprised if their attention span doesn’t last long when you get them to the track -- you’d better buy them a beer or send them a text message between races.)
Outside the walls of the wagering conference -- Canada’s newest track opened on time! I am sure most of you have seen the stories or results from Alberta Downs, located in Lacombe (just north of Red Deer). After visiting the new track two days before it opened (April 18th), I knew they would race despite all odds. Much credit has to go to track owner Bob Allen and the horsemen for having the persistence to make Alberta Downs a reality. As I was walking around the track, all I could think was: what has happened to Alberta racing? How can Alberta horse racing (both standardbred and thoroughbred) survive without racing in the Calgary area?
Congratulations to Kamora Spirit, driver John Chappell, trainer Doug Shaw, owners Helen & Myrna Empey and James Radcliff for winning the first ever race at Alberta Downs. How many people can say they won the first race at a new track? As well, Connie Kolthammer recently posted an outstanding track record in 1:51.3m with Smart Shark – making her the fastest Canadian female driver on record.
Congratulations also go out this month to a couple of participants at Fraser Downs. Kayla Mills had her first training win in her first lifetime start with Red Star Yogi, and the ownership of JJJ Stables won the first four consecutive races on April 11th.
June is such a great month in standardbred racing. Major stake races begin and the two-year-olds start showing up all over North America. I challenge you to invite a Generation Y friend to the races with you and treat them to a good time. The industry needs them for the next fifty years! (But remember... buy them a beer and send them a text message. Just in case.)
Until next month!!!!