Page 17 - The Game September 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, September 2006 17
HBPA Update
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
Attention All Trainers
Report from the Executive Director
The first draft of the Quarter Horse
Industry Development plan was
recently published by the Ontario
Racing Commission (ORC) and
circulated this summer to all stake-
holders of the racing community. The
ORC furthermore held public forum
discussions in the province (three
forums) of which I attended to solicit
comments and additional industry input
on the framework outlined in the plan.
The reason the ORC is spearheading
the development plan is because the site
holder agreement between Picov
Downs Inc. (Ajax Downs) and the
Ontario Lottery Corporation (OLC) stipulates that the ORC will receive the allocated portion of slot revenue funding, and will use such funds to plan, manage and implement a program for the betterment of Ontario Quarter Horse Racing and horse racing in general. Under clause 5.2 of the Ajax Downs Site Holder Agreement, the ORC has been charged with: a) receiving the funds, b) developing a plan to use the funds, and c) managing the distribution of the funds.
We must always remember that the "Slots at Racetracks" program implemented by the Ontario government in 1998 recognized the significant economic benefits contributed by the Ontario horseracing industry and the agricultural economy. Between 1998 and 2005 slot machines have been installed at sixteen Ontario racetracks, providing new revenue streams for thoroughbred and standardbred racing programs. This program has contributed directly to the Ontario economy by providing over 16,000 new full time jobs. In March 2006, the Ontario Quarter Horse racing sector, with slot machines installed at Ajax Downs (formally Picov Downs), in Ajax Ontario, will directly benefit from the slot
machine revenue program for the first time.
The Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Plan will be implemented to achieve four key objectives: 1) Upgrade Quarter Horse racing programs and facilities in Ontario, 2) Build confidence in the long term viability of the Quarter Horse industry in Ontario and support the development of long term breeding programs for racing Quarter Horses, 3) Maximize the audience for live Quarter Horse racing in Ontario, and 4) Develop expanded distribution
channels and wagering opportunities for the Ontario Quarter Horse live-racing product.
The Plan encompasses industry development activities for the 2006 through 2013 period. Projected revenues are in 2006 estimated at over $6 million to a high of over $14 million in 2011. Average purses per race in 2006 are set at $6,657 or $46,600 daily. In 2011 the average purse per race is estimated at $14,284 and the daily distribution is set for $114,275. The stake race allocation will increase from $135,000 in 2006 to $795,000 in 2011. Live race days of 21 in 2005 will increase to 50 days by 2012.
To achieve the plan and to ensure a vibrant and healthy quarter horse racing industry, several developments must take place including, but not limited to, a) a new racetrack, b) an increase of inventory of race-ready bloodstock, c) expand the trained labour pool, d) develop programs to attract new owners and e) expand the audience of the sport.
Good Luck to all Quarter Horsemen and Enjoy the Ride.
Important Notice about Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of all trainers to ensure that you are com- pliant with the Health and Safety Act.
The following is a check list for your convenience:
Green Book: Make sure you have your Green Book (2005 Pocket Ontario OH&S Act and Regulations) hung up in your shedrow, office or tackroom, so it is accessible for all of your employees.
Policy Statement: A copy of the Policy Statement and sign off sheet is available from the HBPA office. Each trainer should have all their employees read the statement. Each of your employees must sign off that they have read and understood the statement and copy this Sign Off Sheet should be in the employ- er’s files. The Statement is then posted in an office or tack room. If new help is hired then they should also read the statement and sign the sheet.
First Aid: The Ministry has agreed to treat the backstretch as one unit as far as first aid is concerned. They told us that we would have to certify 10% (140 people) of the workforce in First Aid and CPR. We did not have that many volunteers so we are now out of compliance. If we do not get the 10% then we lose that concession. It would then be the responsibility of each trainer to pay for a First Aid course for a percentage of their staff or themselves.
First Aid Kit: Each trainer must have a first aid kit in their barn and the size of the kit is based on the number of employees. There is a pamphlet available at the HBPA office pertaining to first aid kit guidelines.
Employee Handbook: You will need one Employee Handbook for every employee (includes casual labour and freelance help). The employee must read the book and take the 20 question (true or false) test located at the back of the book. The employer keeps the test and the employee keeps the book. The test is then taken to the HBPA office and marked after which the trainer keeps the test for their records. If the freelance/casual labour has already completed the test for another trainer then you will only need a photocopy of that test. Please note that it is the trainer’s responsibility to get a test from each employee.
WHMIS Training: Everyone in the barn, including trainers, need to watch this tape. The tape is 8 minutes long and there is a test that everyone needs to take as well. Both tape and test are set up that even people who cannot read or write English can take the test. You can book the tape and test through the HBPA office.
Joint Health and Safety Committee: The Ministry is going to allow us to form a joint Health and Safety Committee rather than each trainer having to form one themselves and then paying for their staff to take the training. The committee is made up of 6 to 8 management and 14 employees. We are looking for volunteers. If we do not get the number that we need then again each trainer will have to have a committee of their own at their own expense.
Records: Each trainer should have a file folder for each employee which should include the employee’s Employee Handbook test, confirmation of WHMIS testing and a first aid certificate if having taken the course.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Fort Erie
The HBPA would like to invite all Fort Erie Backstretch Employees to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, October 5 in the backstretch kitchen. A traditional Turkey dinner with all the fixings will be served between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm courtesy of the HBPA. Tickets are free and available beginning September 27 at the Fort Erie HBPA Backstretch Office. You must have a ticket (one per ORC licensed person).
The HBPA and Woodbine Entertainment Group will continue to reward Shedrow of the Month with the winner receiving a $100 reward.
The winning shedrow will be based on the overall appearance of the barn and the surrounding area.
Shedrow of the month for August 2006 at Woodbine was Trainer Kevin Attard and his crew.
The HBPA at Fort Erie would like to congratulate the following Shedrow of the month winners who will receive a $100 reward.
Shedrow of the month for July 2006 at Fort Erie was Trainer Campbell Wilson and his crew and Shedrow of the month for August at Fort Erie was Trainer Dennis Erwin and his crew.
Congratulations to both these award winners for the great job they have done.
Executive Director Nick Coukos
Final Trainer Testing for the 2006 Season
The final Assistant Trainer/Trainer test- ing of 2006 scheduled for both Woodbine and Fort Erie will take place on Monday September 18 and Wednesday September 20. Completed applications are due no later than 3pm on Tuesday September 5.
For more information contact the HBPA Backstretch Office at Woodbine 416-675-3802 or Fort Erie 905-871-3200, ext. 3249.
Shedrow of the Month
Visit The HBPA Ontario
on-line at www.hbpa.on.ca
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Every Tuesday at 1pm HBPA Trailer
Backstretch Woodbine Racetrack