Hoss Talk

Let's get right to the point. For those of you who feel that horse racing is on  the way out in this Province, put away that shovel, as there is still a lot of life  in this old sport.
  During the last six months, you more then likely have noticed the lack of  news of any note coming from the thoroughbred side of horse racing in this 
Province. 

  The scarcity of any news had gotten so scarce, the only stories horsemen and  their families could discuss over their dinner table were rumours, none of  which would proved to be worth scribbling on a napkin. 
  With that in mind, lets bring you up to date with what is really happening.
  Nine months ago, the Ontario Jockey Club announced its plans to purchase Hastings Park. By all accounts, it appears to be a done deal. 
  " We (OJC) made a presentation to the British Columbia Racing Commission  a few weeks ago. And obviously the upcoming election has slowed down the  activity in Victoria, so we may not get much further with that until after the election." said Dave Gorman, Vice-President Corporate Affairs for the Ontario Jockey Club from Woodbine Racetrack. 
  When it comes to horse racing, people do not give a hoot who builds a  racetrack, they just want someone to go and do it.
  Which is what is happening in various parts of North America?
  More States and Provinces (Ontario) are realizing an economic bonanza from  the combining of the two gambling elements.
  BC isn't any different. "The BC Racing Commission has been approached by other individuals  orally with regards to operating horse racing in this Province." said Joe  Horton, Director of racing for the BCRC. 

  Hoping to become involved with horse racing here is WonderWord  Entertainment Corporation, whose director of gaming is former PRA General   Manager Bob Stirskey.
  "Wonderword is associated with WonderWorks Entertainment which is involved in the movie and theme park business in California. Among   properties, they own are hotels in Japan with huge slot machine licenses. 
  They are a well funded organization, who want to get into gaming." said  Stirskey.

  As for funding, Stirskey says it will be all private.
  "We have ten million dollars to spend and would like to start by paying off the debt of Hastings Park and purchasing." Perhaps the biggest hurdle anyone 
faces towards making Hastings Park profitable, is the Vancouver City Council ignorance to allow slot machines at the Hastings oval. This stubbornness not only has cost Vancouver taxpayers, money, but also  prevented it from becoming one the most unique tourist attraction in North  America.

  "WonderWorld strategic partnership is Great Canadian Casino, who would  move one of their seven existing Vancouver licenses and moving it to 
  Hastings Park." adds Stirskey. "Again that would be subject to the city of  Vancouver."

  The group appears to be doing their due diligence." They (Stirskey) have  been keeping us informed on what they are doing. We (BCRC) are aware  they are interested." said Horton.
  If competition makes for a better product, then horse racing in this Province,  just got better. 

  THE VOICE: For 43, years, the late Jack Short was among the best race callers when it came to thoroughbred horse racing. 
  Short not only loved horse and people, he cared for the jockeys. I still can  remember after riding on a sloppy miserable racetrack, Mr. Short, asking the 
  crowd. "How about a hand for these brave jockeys, who rode their hearts out on this terrible evening."
  On Monday at the Vancouver Convention Center, Jack Short, will be  inducted into the 33rd Annual Banquet of Champions, BC Sports Hall of  Fame & Museum. For more information call 738-8600. 

 Wolski can be reached at 'www.sportofkingstv.com'
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com