B.C. horse racing industry participants and media:

• Standardbred sector
• Thoroughbred sector
• Great Canadian Gaming Corp.
• Other industry participants


Industry Management Committee meeting

The B.C. Horse Racing Industry Management Committee met on Monday, November 3rd, 2014. Highlights of the meeting:

· The Committee approved in principle the idea of providing additional financial support for horse population initiatives proposed by the Thoroughbred sector. Details regarding the amount of funding and the mechanics of the programs are to be worked out in the next several weeks. The Committee recognizes that a shortage of racehorses (particularly in the Thoroughbred sector) is likely the most significant issue facing the industry in British Columbia and that quick action is required to draw more horses into our jurisdiction for the 2015 live racing seasons. It is anticipated that such programs will benefit both breeds, as was the case when each breed was assigned money for horse population incentive programs from a $100,000 surplus in the Industry Marketing Fund.

· Great Canadian Gaming Corp. reported to the Committee that the lease at Hastings Racecourse has been renewed with the City of Vancouver for a further two-year period, with an expiry date of Nov. 9, 2016. The Committee welcomed the stability this renewal, as well as the long-term lease still set to run at Fraser Downs in Surrey, brings to the horse racing scene in the province.


Brian Butters
Director of Racing Sustainability
BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee
November 5th, 2014