Hoss Talk

Track to slot machines is still full of heavy going
The Province
Monday, November 29, 2004
Page: A30
Section: Sports
Byline: Tom Wolski
Column: Hoss Talk
Source: The Province

Although the season's action at Hastings Racecourse season is

over, the biggest race is only beginning for management.

Six months ago, after countless hours of debate on slot machines at Hastings, the city finalized approval.

So, where are the slot machines?

"Are we behind schedule? No, but this it is a huge undertaking " said Ross McLeod, CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corp., operator of Hastings Racecourse. "We're in the middle of talks with the planning committee. But the earlier the better is our goal for slot machines."

Among major renovations expected for the track are a new grandstand and modernized barn area.

"We have to do certain parts of the construction over the next two years as we don't want to interrupt live racing," said McCleod.

To accomplish this, some racing dates might be tweaked.

WINNING WAYS

Bill Boden's and Gerry Hudon's Keystone Romola won the $36,600 Surrey Cup at Fraser Downs on Friday. Trained by Dave Hudon and driven by Tim Brown, Keystone Romola paced the mile in 1.55.2.

At Hastings, Lethal Grande from Cheap Charlie's Stables won in Sunday's $35,000 Au Revoir Allowance. Lethal Grande, trained by Daryl Snow, was ridden by Dave Wilson.

TOUGH ENOUGH

Recently, several jockeys at Churchill Downs in Kentucky went on strike for increased insurance accident benefits.

One rider not joining the group was Tammy Fox.

In 1998 her brother Billy Jr., made the choice also to ride during a dispute in New York. He later fought with a track's leading rider, leaving his foe with black eyes and a bloodied nose. Now Tammy Fox is ready to make her own stand.

"If any jockey gets into my face and says something, I probably would hit him," said Fox, who weighs less then 100 pounds and stands 4-foot-6.

Said Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher: "Pound for pound she might be the toughest person on the racetrack."

twolski@shaw.ca

Idnumber: 200411290051
Edition: Final
Story Type: Sports; Column
Length: 315 words