Page 17 - The Game March 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, March 2006 17
HBPA Update
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
Trainer Testing for 2006
Report from the Executive Director
The Assistant Trainer/Trainer testing schedule has been set for the 2006 season.
The first testing of the season will be held at Woodbine on March 20 & 22 and at Fort Erie on April 19 & 21. Trainer testing will also be held on May 8 & 10 at Woodbine; July 10 & 12 and September 18 & 20 at both Woodbine and Fort Erie.
All applications are due two weeks prior to the first test date. For more information contact the HBPA Backstretch Office during winter opening hours at 416-675-3802.
The 2006 Winter National HBPA Convention held in Tampa, Florida at the end of January had several highlights capped off with a spirited discussion on the last day in regards to simulcasting in today’s world.
To say that the use of our
simulcast signal, both legal and
illegal, is complex is certainly an understatement. Unanimously
however, the horsemen and
panelists did agree on one thing;
the current model in place does not
work in today’s environment and configuration needs to be of top re-development of a new business
be done in concert with our partner, the race- track operators. However since there seems to be a lack of initiative on their part, we must take the lead role! To allow our signal to be pirated to illegal off shore hoodlums who give nothing back to the industry must stop now. Fortunately for the HBPA of Ontario, Woodbine Entertainment has taken a lead role from the racetrack operators group in taking action against this problem.
To charge a simulcast fee to ADW’s (Advance Deposit Wagering) or SBMO’s (Secondary Betting Mutual Organizations) at the same rate that we charge other racetracks, does not make sense. Originally predicted that simulcast revenue was incremental revenue in the early1990’s is now considered by many not to be totally incremental but a re-shifting of revenue and customers to lower profit margins
through new distribution chan- nels, which in turn means lower purses. What can we do about this issue, the answer to that is three- fold:
EDUCATE - to prevent future problems.
LEGISLATE - to resolve current problems.
LITIGATE - to compensate past performances.
The HBPA (thoroughbred Owners and Trainers) must become more engaged in the key
decisions facing the racing industry. Other than our patrons, we the Owners and Trainers are the largest investors in the industry.
From our Canadian National HBPA meetings the news from our Saskatchewan Contingent was very promising. After several years of struggling in Saskatchewan with a short race meeting and low purses, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Currently the thoroughbred industry in that province receives approximately $1.2 million per year to run racing in its entirety from the 10% surtax on wagering from the Saskatchewan Government. With several years of lobby initiated by the Saskatchewan HBPA with the support of the Canadian HBPA, the Saskatchewan Government is considering adjusting the contribution made from wagering back to the industry which would increase the absolute dollar amount on an annual basis to $4 million. Maybe then racing in the province can start the road to making some economic sense.
a major re- priority. The model must
Executive Director Nick Coukos
HBPA Winter Office Hours
The Woodbine HBPA backstretch office is now open from Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm.
The Fort Erie HBPA Backstretch Office is closed for the season. The office will re-open again on March 1, 2006. Anyone needing assistance will be asked to contact the Woodbine Backstretch Office at 416-675-3802 or the HBPA Administration Office at 416-747-5252.
the Administration Office which will keep regular office hours throughout the winter months from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday, except for holidays.
Important Information for Pension Plan Members
The Annual Record of Employment (ROE) form for 2005 has been sent out to all HBPA Pension Plan members. This form must be completed and returned to the HBPA by March 1, 2006.
If you are leaving the Province for the winter or if you do not receive a letter in the mail you can pick up the ROE form from the HBPA Backstretch Office or Administration Office.
Failure to submit a completed ROE Form will result in your immediate suspension for the HBPA’s Pension Plan.
If you require any additional information you can contact the HBPA Woodbine Backstretch office at 416-675-3802 or 1-800-268-9967 Ext 2249 or the HBPA Fort Erie Backstretch Office at 1-800-295-3770 Ext 3249 or 908-871-3200 Ext 3249.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Every Tuesday at 1pm HBPA Trailer Backstretch Woodbine Racetrack
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Woodbine Backstretch Office: 416-675-3802
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