As young participants of the Standardbred racing industry, we have grown to adore and respect this valiant breed and the people involved. When we found out about the injustice that Northlands Race Park has thrust upon them, we were outraged and heartbroken because we felt that we couldn’t do anything to help. Although each of us became interested in Standardbred Racing at varying times, we all feel the same passion and appreciation for what members of this industry accomplish daily.
While this may not directly affect us at the present time, we are still insulted when we think of all of the innocent people whose whole livelihoods, families, and futures are in jeopardy because of the HBPA and Northland Park’s rash decision. Not only will this affect the trainers, drivers, owners, grooms, fans, and everyone who has grown to love the Standardbreds, but it will also affect the economy of farms and breeders, whose once prized horses, eligible for Alberta Sires Stakes and other provincial benefits, will now be worth much, much less. We all feel that this is an unwarranted event, and someone needs to take a stand. NOW.
Therefore, we sought it out to step up to the plate, as young kids, and take action. We have started a petition to support our beloved Standardbred industry, in favor of keeping them in Alberta, and giving them the respect they deserve. Our goal is to acquire as many signatures as possible, and to present this, along with letters, a scrapbook, and other memorabilia, to the media, hopefully to gain their support, while at the same time raising awareness for this important cause.
For those that wish to support us and help us stand up for the Standardbred Racing Industry, our email address is savetheabstandardbreds@live.com and our petition is attached to this page for you to sign! We appreciate anyone and everyone’s support. We hope that us, as kids, trying to take action, inspires you, the Standardbred community, to step up as well.
Sincerely,
Chantelle Walker, 14, fan
Danielle Dornbusch, 12, fan
Fallon Gillespie, 16, fan
Hilary McKee, 15, fan
Kassity Lalonde, 14, fan
Whispering Hills Stables,
Darwell, AB
The letter that got us involved!
The ‘Equality’ within Horse Racing in Alberta
What a difference a few years can make. Just a few years ago we were the model and the envy throughout Canada and possibly North America, for having such a fantastic program and future for harness racing. They were writing about us in magazines. Breeders improved their stock; they bought better broodmares and better stallions. Owners not only bought yearlings at the yearling sale, they bought farms to put them on, built training centers and this was one of the best places to be, if you were involved in Harness Racing.
Then in 2006 we got some bad news regarding the new track proposed for Balzac, it was behind schedule. Dr. David Reid, CEO of HRA, stood before us at our annual ASHA General Meeting and announced that we would be facing a difficult year. He referred to it as a ‘transition year’. He encouraged us, to ‘stay the course’, convinced us ‘all is well’ and the new track would open early 2007. He assured us, “No breed would suffer more than the other. Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds would ‘equally’ share in the hardships we would have to endure in the coming year”.
Since then, this is what actually happened……
In 2007, the thoroughbreds got all the prime race dates at Stampede Park and Northlands Park. The Standardbreds got what was left, spring and fall at Northlands Park. They were sent to the new track being built in Grande Prairie for their summer meet. When the horsemen arrived at Evergreen Park they found the facility under construction. Next to no advertising done to let the locals know the horses were in town. The stands were empty. The video simulcast was done by some local kids, who did their best. The racetrack although good when they arrived, became unsafe and dangerous within days. Horses were reportedly falling off the side of the track, so it was decided that it be best if they didn’t race 7 horses wide across the track, better to race 6 or less. Needless to say several horses suffered injuries and several were put down. Many trainers and owners swore they would never return, they did their time and were looking forward to the New Year, and the new Balzac Racetrack. During this time, several trainers, owners and breeders from the Calgary area were getting out of the industry as they could no longer watch or bet on their horses locally. They would have to drive 3 hours north to Edmonton or watch them on television.
Late 2007, more bad news, if you had invested in the Standardbred Industry. The 2008 race dates were announced by HRA and as usual, the thoroughbreds again were awarded the prime summer months at Northlands Park and HRA struck a deal with Stampede Park handing over 9 million dollars to reopen their track so the thoroughbreds would not be inconvenienced. Again, the Standardbreds were awarded spring and fall dates at Northlands Park and sent back to Grande Prairie for their summer meet, (B Meet only, as the track is not suitable to host an A meet). Also there is no simulcast as HRA has budget concerns. This means the only way to watch or bet on a Standarbred race horse in Alberta, is to drive to Grande Prairie, 6 hours north of Edmonton. The harness horses are left with no summer meet to hold their stake races, all of the stake races must be held in early spring or late fall, otherwise known as the winter months in Alberta.
2008, God help us, even more bad news, the new Balzac Racetrack will not be ready until 2010, at the earliest, if at all. If that wasn’t devastating enough, within weeks Northlands Park makes an announcement, they have negotiated with HBPA (Thoroughbreds) to sign a 3 year racing contract apparently without the involvement of Horse Race Alberta (HRA), who is actually the governing body that is responsible for promoting horse racing and negotiating on behalf of both breeds. They are also responsible for giving race tracks licenses for racing.
Well, after ‘hanging in there’ and ‘staying the course’, throughout the last 3 years and facing yet another ‘transition year’ for the next 3 years or so, many people are facing financial difficulties. Their stock, once worth some money, is now worthless and the futures for the young horses in the fields and in the barns are a major concern.
Yes, our handle is down, as well it should be, when you consider all the help we’ve received. It’s somewhat irresponsible and extremely arrogant that certain people involved in Horse Racing would even feel the need to point out the obvious. Northlands Park spends thousands of dollars on promotions for thoroughbred races. Last year, not unlike any other year, The Belmont Stake, (thoroughbred) was simulcast from another track, all kinds of promotional material was available for sale for race fans. The Western Canada Pacing Derby which was running ‘live’ right out their front window on the same day had nothing available for participants or fans. This has been an on going issue for our sport, little or no promotions, or advertising. Last year, HRA cut 2 aired stake races featuring standardbreds, apparently finances was the main factor. At the same time, or very close to it, they increased the thoroughbred races from 2 one hour shows to two 2 hour shows and they promoted them.
We understand the thoroughbreds are struggling and their handle is down, we can relate. Yet they have not faced a fraction, if any of the hardships the Standardbreds have faced and their sport is supported and promoted aggressively by HRA and Northlands Park.
Owners who invested in yearlings, have spent thousands of dollars in training to prepare them for racing are left with Alberta breds with no place to race. Three years ago our yearling sale averaged over $8,500 per yearling, a year before that, more than $11,000 per yearling. Today, Breeders are ‘giving them away’, at a time when our horses are breaking stake and track records, it’s unacceptable. We have lost many owners, trainers and drivers to Ontario and B.C. others left for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. We have taken substantial cuts in purse money to keep harness racing here in Alberta. Additional cuts due to the lost slot revenue from Stampede Park and we face further cuts as our performance measures are unattainable.
As you can see, there is a very warped view on what the word ‘equal’ actually means when it comes to Horse Racing in Alberta. Both breeds have not equally shared in the hardship; the Standardbreds have carried it all.
I hope this letter encourages those people who are in a position to help support our breed, to get involved and help if you can. I believe at this time, Directors positions are available on the HRA Board. If you are someone who knows the true meaning of ‘equal’ and can help level the playing field for both breeds to succeed; we hope you let them know who you are. If you are ‘still hanging in there’, let your voice be heard, make some calls, write some letters. If you are a harness racing fan we hope to see you at the rail, in the future.
We Appreciate Your Support!
Mona Hill
Breeder, Owner & Fan
Spruce Grove, Alberta.
Letter from trainer, Rod Hennessy:
Dear Editor,
I’m sure by now that every one of your readers is aware of the terrible situation we have here in Alberta harness racing. As one of the native born Alberta horsemen I feel the urge to get a few things off my chest on the matter.
To get right to the point, this decision by Northlands to eliminate harness racing if allowed to go forward will end Standardbred racing in this province. If that organization wants to go with just the Thoroughbreds so be it but I question how long it will be before they don’t want them either.
In my case it now gets down to what my son Mike wants to do. It’s going to be his stable but I will probably just retire from racing horses and limit myself to developing a few colts. If this goes ahead there is nothing left of the game in Alberta. The meet at Grand Prairie is a joke. All we wanted was equal treatment but we cannot seem to get that.
I think that the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association is doing all it can do but its influence is very limited. I point the finger at Northlands for this issue and to Horse Racing Alberta who never had a realistic game plan from the start. I also am not convinced that the people behind the proposed new track were in the real world either.
The breeders are finished with this news. I’m quite sure it will be announced shortly that one major breeder is closing up shop and getting out. The trainers just don’t know where to turn. I’m not convinced that Ontario is a realistic option. With the Quebec situation as bad as ours Ontario is getting flooded with horses. That aside, I just don’t know how the guys do it with the escalating costs of running stables. If you are not consistently in the top three you can’t make it. When I was stabled there four years ago it was bad but it’s a lot worse now.
The tragedy of it all is that racing is still viable despite what Northlands wants people to think. Numbers can be twisted many different ways. If Northlands is allowed to do this it will put a large, large number of people out of work and cost a lot to the economy. I will be so discouraged and disgusted with our racing officials and government if this is allowed to happen. What’s needed is a genuine effort to come to the table which obviously has not been the case until now.
The industry as a whole needs Alberta and every jurisdiction possible to keep racing alive. Look at the goods and services that are involved. Isn’t it about time that some common sense came to the table?
Rod Hennessy, Edmonton, Alberta
Sent to the Harness Edge Magazine, July 10th, 2008
We also sent an email to the Vice President at Northlands, regarding Northlands decision to shut down Standardbred racing. This is our original message sent to him on July 9, 2008
To whom it may concern:
As young participants of the Standardbred racing industry, we have grown to adore and respect this valiant breed and the people involved. When we found out about the injustice that the board at Northlands Race Park has thrust upon them, we were outraged and heartbroken because we felt that we couldn’t do anything to help. Although each of us became interested in Standardbred Racing at varying times, we all feel the same passion and appreciation for what members of this industry accomplish daily.
While this may not directly affect us at the present time, we are still insulted when we think of all of the innocent people whose whole livelihoods, families, and futures are in jeopardy because of the HBPA and Northland Park’s rash decision. Not only will this affect the trainers, drivers, owners, grooms, fans, and everyone who has grown to love the Standardbreds, but it will also affect the economy of farms and breeders, whose once prized horses, eligible for Alberta Sires Stakes and other provincial benefits, will now be worth much, much less. We all feel that this is an unwarranted event.
We don’t understand how you as racing professionals can convince yourself that what you are doing to the Standardbred industry is right for the economy, of not only racing, but the province of Alberta. We feel that this is an unnecessary action that you have taken upon an undeserving group.
We understand that although we may be just kids and may not cause a lot of change at this point, but nonetheless, our objective is to be a catalyst for change in the future, which hopefully still involves Standardbreds.
Sincerely,
Chantelle Walker, 14, fan
Danielle Dornbusch, 12, fan
Fallon Gillespie, 16, fan
Hilary McKee, 15, fan
This was his reply:
Chantelle, Danielle, Fallon and Hilary;
I do appreciate your letter and I certainly appreciate your concerns. We all share your concerns about the economy, the lost jobs and the horses.
I want to clarify and perhaps even correct some of what you've alluded to in your letter.
It was not a rash decision. For at least ten years, ever since Stampede Park cancelled winter standardbred racing and Northlands stepped-in to save it, we have been saying if there was only one racetrack in Alberta there can only be one breed. Ten years, that's how long ago we saw this coming and that's how long we've been sounding the alarm.
Northlands didn't say they only wanted only one breed. Northlands said there is no alternative, with only one racetrack there can only be one breed of horse racing. There aren't enough days in the year nor is there enough money for purses for more than one breed at any one racetrack.
Northlands did not say that what we are doing is right for the economy. What Northlands said is that what Northlands is doing is all that Northlands can afford to do.
Northlands lost money racing extra days last year. Northlands raced extra days last year so that, since Stampede Park refused to have any standardbred racing for the last two years, it could keep the entire thoroughbred and standardbred industry operating until the new track opens in 2009. Northlands cannot afford to do it again. Northlands said that last year. This decision should not have been a surprise to anyone.
The new racetrack is not going to open in 2009. It was supposed to open in 2007. Northlands has been racing extra days, spending extra money, since 2007.
Stampede Park won't have any horse racing at all in 2009.
Unfortunately Northlands can only afford to have one breed racing in 2009. Thus Northlands made, given the circumstances, the only possible decision it could make, and live with, into the future.
It isn't fair. It isn't right. It isn't what anyone wants. It is, I am sorry to say, the only choice Northlands could make.
I hope that each of you never lose your caring for people and horses. I hope that you never lose faith that you can make a difference in the world; and, I hope that you never lose, as I will never lose, your love horses and horse racing.
Les Butler
Vice-President,
Gaming
Northlands
lbutler@northlands.com
Delivering exceptional experiences
Northlands
Live a lot.
Please check this out...financial statements for Northlands Park.
click here for 2007 records Special attention to pages 54 & 56.
click here for 2001 records Special attention to pages 52 &54.
What do you think??
Letter from Bruce Kennedy, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia
SHAME OR BLAME
“Shame on the Standardbred investors and those who enjoy harness
racing in the province of lberta. What seems to be your problem? Is Alberta
too poor to have standardbred harness racing? Is there not enough space in Alberta
for the standardbred breed with all other breeds? Is standardbred racing in Alberta perceived to be a “bad think”?
Is there possibly a competitive product of another breed that doesn’t want to
share with the standardbred harness racing people? Does this other BREED of people
see harness racing people as “low life” people? Why? The horses don’t know what’s
going on here!! It’s people, only people, who don’t want to share in the market place.
Share facilities, share time, share resources and give the greatest variety of product to
the customer, the person who wagers. All of the breeds need support from all sources
of revenue. Harness racing people are investors too.
The person or persons responsible for even suggesting that one breed of horse
in Alberta must no longer compete for the wagering dollar is nothing but Bias, Greedy,
Selfish, Inconsiderate and Untrustworthy. These people who could potentially destroy other peoples lifestyle, livelihoods and investments must be removed from decision
making positions. They are dirty politicians.
Standardbred Harness Racing people must stand up and shout. NO!! This is
not going to happen.
LOBBY - it’s legal!! Standardbred people, get every person you can associate
yourself and others with and overload the fax machines, mail boxes and voice mail
lines of every politician in Alberta. The mayors, the councilors, the MLS’s, the
premier and all other high profile people NOW! NOW! NOW! later is too late.
Take action or share the blame. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Your two minutes now to express your concerns to save an industry will give
you years of satisfaction to say you tried. Not to try makes you part of the problem.
The decision is yours. Don’t let someone else take your pleasure away.
Standardbred Canada is out there. Hopefully they will help if you ask. They
need Alberta Standardbred Harness Racing in action. Not gone. Good Luck.