Page 3 - January 2009 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
Fort Erie Lays off 190 Employees
Track “Prepares for Closure”
The Game, January 2009 3 Remembering Veteran Trainer
Jack Wilson
At 2pm on December 15, employees of Fort Erie Race Track were issued layoff notices by owner Nordic Gaming Corporation during a brief meeting inside the clubhouse.
of factors, including Ontario’s ban on indoor public smoking, competition from other gaming parlours and online wagering and a steep decline in American visitation after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Unfortunately I was unaware of the passing of Jack Wilson until a reader of The Game informed me last month.
Immediately following the meeting Nordic issued a carefully worded statement in explanation which suggested that the track may
The HBPA of Ontario has issued a plea to
all horsemen to write to the local ministers, Smitherman and Bryant, stating that the Government has still not made a nal decision.
The Game apologizes to the family and friends of Jack Wilson and offers the following in memory of the man that “everybody liked”.
for several years,” the statement reads in part. “However,
Jack was always very hands-on, driving the truck and
the company is unable to continue to absorb the substantial operating losses year after year, and hence the reason for the decision to begin preparing for closure.”
horse trailer wherever he wanted to race.
Cont. Pg. 5
not re-open in the Spring:
(Information and quotes taken from the Niagara Falls Review)
“This decision has been a dif cult one for the company – one which Nordic has delayed
“We encourage you to write or email these two ministries with your personal impact statements on the closure of Fort Erie Racetrack.” said HBPA President Sue Leslie, “We all must continue to do all we can to save Fort Erie!”
In October 2008 John (Jack) Wilson was killed by a horse after being kicked in the head and chest while preparing for a race at Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania. The 88 year old trainer was treated at the scene but died of heart failure.
Minister Michael Bryant
Minister of Economic Development Hearst Block
4th Floor, 900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1
email: info@edt.gov.on.ca mbryant.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Described as an innovator, an entrepreneur and a brilliant horse trainer with an eye for talent, Jack Wilson was a man who had dedicated his life to horse racing.
The reader was disappointed that nothing had been written about the passing of such a great man.
Attention Owners and Trainers of Canadian Breds
Early Nominations Closing
Woodbine Entertainment Group
has early nominations closing
February 1, 2009 at 12:00 midnight
for the following races:
The Canadian Triple Crown - For 3-Year-Olds The Woodbine Oaks - For 3-Year-Old Fillies The Cup and Saucer Stakes - For 2-Year-Olds The Coronation Futurity - For 2-Year-Olds The Princess Elizabeth - For 2-Year-Old Fillies
• PLEASE NOTE •
ALL RACES ARE FOR HORSES FOALED IN CANADA AND ARE SUBJECT TO A PAYMENT SCHEDULE
For more information contact Anne Morahan 416-675-3993, ext.2288
Toll Free 1-800-268-9967
email: AMM@WoodbineEntertainment.com
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Conveniently Located Across from Woodbine Race Track
135 Queenʼs Plate Drive, Suite 530 416-746-2675
email: norcross@bellnet.ca
Fort Erie Race Track is owned by Nordic Gaming Corp., a subsidiary of El-Ad (Canada) Ltd.
Minister George Smitherman
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Hearst Block
4th Floor, 900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1
email: gsmitherman.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Meanwhile a rally by local horsemen, which was organized by Darlene Pettipas, was held
in the race track parking lot. The ralliers were hoping to get the attention of the government to get some answers as to their inaction.
The 111-year-old racing facility is one of only two thoroughbred tracks in Ontario, Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack being the other. Fort Erie is also home to the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes which is the second jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of horse racing.
In May 2007 Nordic Gaming unveiled a plan for a $300 million development which included a revitalized racing facility as well as a hotel, water park and condominiums. Nordic
was hoping to receive a commitment
of “support” from the Ontario
Government.
2008 COLT by TRAJECTORY
Half Brother to:
“CHOREOGRAPHY”
STAKES PLACED WINNER OF OVER $400,000 Out of a mare by, SPECTACULAR BID
d
Many factors have plagued the nancial viability of the track including Ontario’s ban on indoor smoking, competition from other casinos in the area as well as the strong Canadian dollar and a reduction in American visitors to the track.
Once a mainstay of the industry, Fort Erie has been losing money for several years, due to a variety
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The Game January 2009.indd 3
12/18/08
7:58:24 AM
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