Canada

Sylvie Hebert · Postby **Sylvie Hebert** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 3:40 pm

Ontario wants to close some tracks,including the Fort.Quebec Montreal track,the old Blue Bonnets is being demolished to built residential condo,shattering all hopes of horse racing....Not a bright future for horses in eastern Canada.I am considering to move...How is it going out western Canada guys?

Jean · Postby **Jean** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:22 am

There are problems in the west too but perhaps not so bad. Hastings may close if no deal can be reached with city of Vancouver. Slot revenue down in Albbrta due to no racetrack yet in the Calgary market therefore purses days etc down.

Dave C · Postby **Dave C** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 6:46 am

I would say that the brightest spot from what I can see is Manitoba. They are the only ones who are showing good growth in their handle. Alberta is in serious trouble due to terrible management by everyone since the slots arrived. The slot contract will almost certainly not be renewed when it runs out in four years time and the handle on the live product has dwindled to a fraction of pre-slot levels. A lot of breeders are not covering mares this year because they don't believe there will be a market when the foal would be ready for the sales. JMO

Sylvie Hebert · Postby **Sylvie Hebert** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:39 am

And now Quebec city hippodrome will be replaced by a hockey arena as announced today....
Horse racing is over in Quebec.Only faint hope is standarbred consortium who just leased Trois-Rivieres small regional track...I contacted them to propose some joint venture for all three breeds(Quarters-TB's and SB's)but so far I believe they will stay on the loosing path they have been on since the seventies...Sad