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Province, harness racing industry announce new structure

Published on March 13th, 2010
Published on June 15th, 2010
Staff ~ The Guardian
Topics :
Harness Racing Industry Association , PEI Standardbred Horseowners Association , Shores Racetrack & Casino , Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Summerside

The province and the Harness Racing Industry Association jointly announced today a new structure for Harness Racing Prince Edward Island.

The new structure, which will see HRPEI merge with Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park, comes after extensive industry consultation.

The move will mean a voice at the Red Shores management table for the harness racing industry. It will also create cost savings, allowing larger purses and more funds to be allocated towards marketing of the sport.

In 2009, Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs, Wes Sheridan, set up a task force to examine how to best prepare for the changing demands of the gaming market. The task group was comprised of individuals from HRPEI, the Government of Prince Edward Island, Red Shores and Atlantic Lottery. The move is the recommendation of that group.

"The sustainability of the harness racing industry is a common goal shared by Government, HRPEI and Red Shores. We know the gaming industry is changing rapidly; players today expect more choices than ever and the status quo is not an option. This is a made-in-Prince Edward Island solution that celebrates the tradition of harness racing, while ensuring we can build upon the legacy already established," said Sheridan

"The increased efficiencies and cost savings associated with this move will mean more dollars for the marketing of the sport, which will allow us to reach different audiences."

The move is another example of the commitment shown to the harness racing industry by the Government. Since 2008, Atlantic Lottery has invested $28 Million into the Charlottetown and Summerside properties to showcase the unique experiences offered at these locations. It is estimated that integrating HRPEI into Red Shores will provide savings of over $100,000 a year. The Government announced today it will return half of that amount in the first year to purses and the remainder will be applied to marketing of the industry.

"We are excited about this new direction and the benefits it will bring to the harness racing industry. Merging HRPEI operations into Red Shores means the industry will be part of the team, allowing for everyone to work more closely in the pursuit of our common goal: the long term success of the harness racing industry. We look forward to our closer working relationship with Red Shores and Atlantic Lottery," said Tom Clark, Chairperson of the PEI Standardbred Horseowners Association.

Red Shores Racetrack & Casino in Charlottetown was established in 2005. Since that time, it has been offering a unique entertainment experience to Islanders and visitors alike, combining the time-honoured sport of harness racing with dining and gaming options in one premier destination. In 2009, Red Shores opened a second location in Summerside.

Comments

  • Username
    Donnie Macleod
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:39:04

    The last 4 people who were caught stealing from government and/or a non profit organization have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from their employers to support the race track. (3 of 4 are very strong, publicly known liberals) None went to jail! (Lucky they never had an extra lobster trap in the water)

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  • Username
    bannie
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:38:31

    well now we really see how this govt thinks of our health and education system and the general public,now going to the sport of horse racing.

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  • Username
    Aongasha
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:31:47

    You are right Jamie they've sold out the horsemen and the industry to ALC. Why would they want racing to succeed? When they finally manage to kill it - that will mean more money for their machines, but less jobs.

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  • Username
    Boot out Sheridan
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:30:40

    Harness Racing is a rich man's hobby, not an industry, and we don't want our tax dollars supporting it.

    This government has its priorities all wrong.

    Why is it concerning itself with harness racing and the casino while ignoring rotting homes for seniors?

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  • Username
    Kim
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:24:41

    To taxpayer from PEI who thinks that harness racing is a big joke. Don't discount the tourism dollars that events lsuch as the Sobey's Gold Cup and Saucer and the racing events that are part of Old Home Week bring to the province. My parents have been to PEI several times over the last few years for a week or more at a time and we have been there two out of the last three years. These trips are not cheap and provide valuable tourism jobs for your economy. This is money that could be well spent in the rest of Canada but we chose to come to PEI for the friendly atmosphere and the horse racing. Don't sell the Industry short on the overall benefits to your province.

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  • Username
    fair play
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:18:17

    We can't sustain the industry we have now. Too much too fast and not enough people to support it financially. Also you have the fact that a good percentage of today's young people just aren't interested in the sport of harness racing.
    Gambling yes, but not on horses. It would be nice to see the track not only survive but also thrive. I spent many great evenings there when I was younger. Not much compares to the excitement of cashing in a thirty eight hundred dollar ticket, which I did on a rainy, windswept night. I had one of the Smallwoods to thank for that. Now the track has to share the racing take, to compete with gambling machines and the machines appear to be the more popular.
    Sad to say but I am in agreement with
    Jamie Kennedy's post. Wish I could say it ain't so but I'm afraid it is

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  • Username
    happy
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:15:26

    too bad nova scotia wouldn't follow pei

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  • Username
    Sickened
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:13:58

    I left a comment here yesterday.. seems it wasn't fit for publicaton.. it had no 'bad' words- just the opiion of someone who seen red when i read this story... More money into this 'redshores'.. - So many people here have lost so much - and Yes ( boot out Sheridan) you are absolutely right. It is a 'Gambling' industry... Enough is enough - I'm so sick of the coverups that this is a 'Good thing'......... it's not so 'good' when families as well as others are torn apart because 'one' of their members have fallen prey to this addiction that is actually being supported by everyones tax dollars - including the victims... I will never spend a thin dime to support this industry - but it IS being taken from me unwilllingly.. how Cruel is that?!! - wondering if this comment will be fit for publication

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  • Username
    Wondering
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:13:24

    Why does this government like horses but not cows, chickens or pigs?

    Those segments of the agriculture sector could use some stablizing, too.

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  • Username
    Astonished
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:06:06

    PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE UNDERSTAND...... all revenue from this FARMING INDUSTRY (it truly is, revenue canada treats it as farming and agriculture canada supervises wagering) is taxed. There are spin offs that support PEI farms. They use trucks from the local dealers, OLD HOME WEEK is a CASH COW ..etc.
    The Govt. makes many tax dollars off of Gambling. One horserace takes out close to 30% (some goes to the purses for racing etc.) of the gross. The casino makes money, and therefore Tax dollars.

    ALL GOING TO THE PEOPLE OF PEI.

    Your Govt. knows this, and how much money it is. YOU SHOULD TOO!!!!!!
    Make them use it the way you want.
    DO NOT BE LIKE QUEBEC and give it up.
    Yes, its more complicated than a rich mans hobby, (they are a very small minority in the maritime provinces) or a sink hole. There are people (past and present) all over North America that show us what an important industry this is. Mike MacDonald, Mark, Anthony and James MacDonald, Paul MacKenzie, Robert Sheppard. Icons like Joe Obrian and Wally Hennessey. Those are just a few drivers. Many many more are out there being proud Islanders that ALWAYS COME HOME.
    Think about it......................

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  • Username
    craziness
    - June 21st, 2010 at 20:05:56

    How in the world is a game - yes horse racing is a game - also considered an industry?

    And since it is not a vital industry for the health and well-being of our citizens.... WHY THE FRIG DO THEY GET TAXPAYER MONEY?

    Can you explain this Mr. Ghiz?

    You operate a corrupt little province off the shores of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with some of the highest tax rates in North America, largely because of catering to MINORITY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS like this one.

    Start governing for once. Stop trying to decentralize and find ways to waste money propping up areas with declining populations. Those federal equalization freezes in this year's budget are going to turn into decreases in the coming years, so you had better start learning how to make the difficult decisions.

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  • Username
    Aongasha
    - June 21st, 2010 at 19:50:42

    craziness from PEI writes: How in the world is a game - yes horse racing is a game - also considered an industry?
    Would job creation and a multi-million contribution to the PEI economy annually count?
    At least some of you could do your homework before making yourselves look like idiots

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  • Username
    Right
    - June 21st, 2010 at 19:48:26

    Who writes these publications?

    (This is a made-in-Prince Edward Island solution that celebrates the tradition of harness racing, while ensuring we can build upon the legacy already established, said Sheridan)

    Legacy? Build Upon? In other words ALC now has a Larger Investment and ownership in our Harness Racing Industry! Therefore they'll also have more control!

    Gaming Industry? Call it what it is a Gambling Industry that is seeing many addicted Islanders' paycheques dwindle!
    And all the hype about Smoking!

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  • Username
    sjj
    - June 21st, 2010 at 19:47:09

    MR GHIZ PEOPLE CAN SEE THROUGH THIS MESS EVEN THOUGH YOU THINK THEY CAN'T. THE AVERAGE ISLANDER CAN'T AFFORD TO GO TO THE TRACK ANYMORE. BOOT OUT IS RIGHT ON THE BUTTON IT'S A RICH MAN'S HOBBY JUST GO TO THE TRACK AND YOU WILL SEE WHO HAS THE BAR SEAT'S AND TO KIM INGLIS MAYBE THAT ONE WEEK YOU DO SPEND SOME MONEY TO BRING YOUR HORSE TO P.E.I. TO TRY AND WIN A RACE OR TWO AND IF YOU DO THE MONEY GOES BACK TO ONTARIO DO YOU THINK IT'S FAIR THAT THE TAX PAYER'S OF P.E.I. SHOULD KEEP THIS TRACK RUNNING THE REST OF THE YEAR???? 51 WEEK'S OF TAX PAYERS PAYING THE TAB SO YOU CAN HAVE SOME FUN FOR FOR ONE AND I ALSO BET THEY PAY THE TAB FOR THAT WEEK TOO. [DON'T WORK OUT IN MY MATH BOOK] OF COURSE I'AM NOT RICH SO I DON'T READ THE SAME BOOK'S AS YOU. SAY HELLO TO THE FAMILEY.

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  • Username
    Jamie
    - June 21st, 2010 at 19:37:38

    This is quite the move by HRPEI and Atlantic Lotto and PEI Government first they change the name of the CDP next we'll see a hotel where the track once was this will happen in the next 10 years.Great move boys!

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  • Username
    taxpayer
    - June 21st, 2010 at 19:35:22

    The truth is that the harness racing industry is a big sink hole whose time has come and gone-look at the bet,it is a joke.

    Atlantic Loto is using funds that would otherwise be part of PEI's share of the Lotto pot to carry the industry .In effect the funds that would otherwise go th general revenue for education and health care are being used to subsidize a few peoples pastime.

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