Page 11 - October 2008 The Game

uCanada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper The Game, October 2008 11
pdate
HBPAOntario
www.hbpa.on.ca
HBPA Ontario Administration Office:: 135 Queen’s Plate Drive, Suite 370 Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6V1 • 416-747-5252
Annual General Meeting
sustained on the Polytrack versus the old dirt rac- ing surface.
Fort Erie Purse Account and Race Dates 2008:
This effort allowed the HBPA and horsemen to continue to enjoy our revenue stream that funds our backstretch initiatives, the most important of which is our health and medical subsidy.
The HBPA continues to sit on ORC committees and has a continual dialogue with the Commission in respect to the rules of racing.
The Ontario HBPA held their Annual General Meeting, September 14 at Woodbine’s Sales Pavilion. President Sue Leslie provided the members in attendance with an industry update: HBPA Spending and Accountability to Members:
The HBPA Fort Erie purse account continues to deplete with the reduction in slot revenue which has not rebounded in 2008.
ORC Rules:
The HBPA has been successful in reducing our spending with the reduction of previous expenses
as indicated in the nancial statements which were mailed to all HBPA members. The HBPA is proud that we were able to reverse the previous year’s de cits to a minor surplus position at year ending March 31, 2008. Our budget forcasts for scal 2009 will see a similar pro t and loss position.
Bullet Communication System:
We are forecasting that the WPU may have bottomed out at an average of $90 which will allow us to race a 78 day meet in 2009 at similar purse levels to 2008.
Our concerns and requested changes have focused on owner responsibility, absolute responsibility and stable use barn medications to name a few.
HIP Review:
The HBPA has continued to provide a bullet communication system this year. The bullet style of communication, which was implemented in 2007, has allowed us to keep our members up to date on important issues in a timely manner.
With our extensive participation through face to face meetings and written submissions the HBPA was extremely instrumental in guiding the Sadinsky Panel. The recommendations of the Panel with regard to an HRO has been unanimously supported and approved by the HBPA Board of Directors. We are now awaiting the Minister’s next steps with regard to the report. The HBPA will be prepared to participate in any part of the implementation of the recommendations as it will outline the blueprint for our industry in the years to come.
CPMA Regulatory Review:
The program is less than a year old and already has shown to have changed the mindset of our industry by making the Ontario horse an attractive investment.
Woodbine Horsemen’s Contract:
The HBPA of Ontario’s commitment to the THG has continued this past year with some positive changes now being implemented to the outdated simulcast model.
On January 2, 2008, the HBPA and Woodbine Entertainment Group entered into a three year extension of our original horsemen’s agreement under the same terms and conditions, bringing us to March 31, 2011.
The HBPA Woodbine purse account is stable and comparable to last year’s balance. The HBPA can now forecast that our purse distribution for 2009 should be on target when compared to 2008 at this time.
As a direct result of the THG, horsemen at Wood- bine are now receiving a higher percentage for their product from the New York Off Track Betting. We expect that in the months to come, other ADW’s will participate in the simulcast model which we have been supporting.
Woodbine Purse Account and Race Dates 2008:
Race dates for 2009 are established at 167 days, as per our contract with Woodbine, and the season will ow from early April to early December 2009. Polytrack:
The HBPA continues to represent the horsemen on several external boards and committees includ- ing but not limited to: ORC HIP review; ORC Drug Task Force; Equine Guelph; National HBPA; OHRIA; Jockey Club of Canada; and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame etc.
Charities Supported:
The HBPA has maintained an ongoing dialogue with Woodbine Entertainment Group with regard to the composition of the Polytrack surface.
The Minister directed the CPMA to proceed with amending the majority of the changes as presented, which the HBPA supported, except for the outstand- ing tickets.
The HBPA has continued to be a good corpo- rate citizen in 2008 by supporting such non-pro t organizations as: LongRun; CARD; Children’s Breakfast Club and Equine Guelph to name a few.
The HBPA is currently in the process of develop- ing a survey for the trainers to complete which will ask questions regarding the type and rate of injuries
The ability to provide this schedule and purse structure has been a direct result of the “war chest” strategy that the HBPA contributed to from our glory years.
The HBPA Directors played a signi cant role in shaping the thoroughbred HIP program which was implemented in 2008.
We want to caution everyone that we still need to work with our partners and our government to nd a long-term and viable solution in order for racing to continue at Fort Erie in the years ahead.
Sadinsky Report:
The program rewards Ontario-bred horses who race at our Ontario Thoroughbred race tracks.
The CPMA (our federal regulator) has concluded their extensive regulatory review which began in 2006. As previously reported the HBPA has strenu- ously objected to the recommendation made by the CPMA to direct all outstanding tickets back to the customer. Through sheer determination and the di- rect lobbying of the federal Minister of Agriculture, the HBPA was successful in reversing the CPMA’s decision on outstanding tickets.
Industry Boards and Committees:
THG:
Fort Erie
• Thanksgiving dinner for backstretch personnel
will be hosted on Thursday, October 9 from 11am to 1:30pm in the Fort Erie backstretch kitchen. You must sign up in the HBPA backstretch of ce before October 8 with a valid ORC license.
• The annual Fort Erie Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, October 23 at the Leisureplex in Fort Erie. Tickets are $25 and will be on sale at the HBPA back- stretch of ce beginning Oct. 14.
• Fort Erie’s Annual Backstretch Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, November 30 at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre. Tickets are free for backstretch personnel and their families and are available at the
HBPA backstretch of ce from October 20 until the of- ce closes for the season on November 7.
• Congratulations to Shedrow of the Month winner for July, Marilyn McMullen (barn 2A) and her crew and Shedrow of the Month winner for August, Winston Wilkinson (barn 2A) and his crew.
preciation Day at the Races is scheduled for Saturday, November 15. All ORC licensed Grooms, Hotwalk- ers, Ecercise Riders, Assistant Trainers and Trainers can register at the HBPA backstretch of ce (registra- tion start date to be announced) to receive a $10 food voucher and a $5.00 betting voucher (valid only on November 15 on the Woodbine grandstand).
• The Fort Erie HBPA Backstretch Of ce will close for the season on Friday, November 7.
The HBPA will honour three Outstanding Grooms and three Outstanding Assistant Trainers with a Certi cate of Excellence and a Financial Award.
For more information contact the HBPA backstretch of ce at 416-675-3802.
Woodbine
• Congratulations to Shedrow of the Month winner for August, Rachel Halden and her crew and for Septem- ber, Paul Buttigieg and his crew.
• Woodbine HBPA’s second annual Backstretch Ap-
• Woodbine HBPA Backstretch Of ce Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 7am - 3pm; Sunday 7am - 2pm; and Monday 8:30am - 1pm
The Game OCTOBER 2008.indd 11 9/25/08 11:10:41 AM