Page 9 - January 2007 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper The Game, January 2007 9
Jamie Martin,
Vice President
of Racing
at Woodbine
One of the things Eaves wants to see at Woodbine is the kind of pari-mutuel attraction that will bring in new fans. While not being specific, he indicates that a jackpot-style bet similar to
the Pick7 is in the works.
“It will be an exotic bet with potential to build a big pot,” he teases, “It will be driven through the legal online medium to generate a
jackpot pool.”
In the past, WEG has
found itself in a conflicting position with the Canadian Pari-mutuel Agency, the federal Department of Agriculture body that governs the betting at race- tracks. For example, Woodbine would like to ‘seed’ its Pick7 pools, guaranteeing the fans at least $50,000 before a single wager is made. So far the CPMA has said no, but Eaves is getting the feeling that he may soon be dealing with a more sympathetic bureaucracy.
“They have a new execu- tive director,” says Eaves, “His name is Tim Petitpas and he has shown that he’s prepared to move with more than little steps. He’s kick- started a review of CPMA regulations to try and strike a balance with the role of protection while trying to be responsive to the current business environment.”
As for actually placing a bet himself, it turns out that Eaves enjoys the occasional wager.
“I pick my moments,” he says, “ If I’m involved with a Woodbine feature event or out for fun at somebody else’s track, part of the experience for me is to pick a couple of winners. More typically, I bet longshots.”
As President of WEG, Nick Eaves will have many opportunities to interact with the Ontario Racing Commission and he won’t have to worry about a gener- ation gap. As a matter of sheer coincidence, on December 1, when Eaves was officially named to his new post, the ORC issued a
press release telling us that 39 year-old Brent Stone is now the Supervisor of Thoroughbred Racing.
Stone was a York Regional police officer for 12 years and came to the racing commission in 2000 as an investigator. Since 2002, he has been the assistant supervisor of standardbred racing. The thoroughbred position opened up with the retirement of Ed Hall.
“My experience in standardbreds gives me a good foundation and prepares me for the job on the thoroughbred side,” says Stone, “There will be some
challenges to me because a lot on the thoroughbred side is new to me.”
Stone will supervise the day-to-day business of the ORC as it functions at Woodbine, Fort Erie and quarterhorse racing at Ajax Downs. Under his authority are the stewards, licensing agents, veterinarians and commission staff. Stone is very clear about his most important initiative.
“I’m committed to expanding the medication control program to beyond existing pre-race and post-race testing and retention requirements,” he says,
“Ontario is a leader as a regulator in horse racing and we seem to be the one to push the envelope to be effective regulators as times change.”
Like Eaves, Stone is the youngest person ever to hold this particular posi- tion. This means, potentially, he has a very long tenure in front of him.
“This is a great time to be in the horseracing industry. I look forward to many years in which this industry continues to grow and expand and continue the great traditions that it has
already created.”
Continued Page 10
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