July 26 2008
Trivia Time
What do these horses have in common: Tidal Search, Make It Brief and The Globe? Answer later.
Regarding Mike Sprague's letter on the Triple Crown, it has become obvious that most owners are reluctant to race on a 1/2 mile track, watering down the Triple Crown glory....in fact, not only can't most people remember who won the TC races, they can't even recall what tracks they are raced at....where is the Messenger S. these days...Yonkers? Freehold? The Meadows? Harrington?
How about the Yonkers Trot "temporarily" moving to Hawthorne a few years ago. Image the Preakness shifting to Gulfstream while renovations take place. Not only that, even a casual observer of Thoroughbred racing (such as myself) knows when the Kentucky Derby is, and, subsequently, the other two t-bred TC races are. But I have no clue when the Messenger is, as there is no consistency with the scheduling.
In terms of changing the races for the TC, I don't see that happening, and perhaps it shouldn't....when two $1,000,000 races are excluded, as well as the Breeders' Crown, any true fan, owner or breeder knows which are the "races to win."
Trivia Answer: Tidal Search, Make It Brief and The Globe were the runner-ups to No Pan Intended in the 2003 Triple Crown races.
Philip Sporn
July 25 2008
Time For A New Triple Crown
Quick, who won this year's Yonkers Trot, or last year's Cane Pace? I can't remember, can you? With the Hambletonian eliminations set for tomorrow is it not time for the Hambletonian Society, and harness racing in general to take a hard look at what makes up harness racing's two Triple Crowns?
With the North America Cup, and the Meadowlands Pace in the books, one has to ask the question why these marquis events are not in the Triple Crown. When the best horses year in and year out choose to skip most of the legs of the current Triple Crown events, then where is the value of even having one, and when there is a Triple Crown winner they are a faux champ at best.
Mike Sprague, Bedminster, NJ
July 25 2008
Why Did ORC Reduce WINRAC Fine?
I read the ORC press release yesterday in regards to reducing the fines to WINRAC now that they have produced acceptable plans and couldn't believe what I was reading. Here it is some 19 months after they were told to supply a acceptable business plan that they finally get around to it. Seeing how they took less than two years to comply the ORC reduces the original fines some 87 per cent and don't enforce the $1000 a day per track ruling they had published on July 24, 2007 news release.
Did the ORC take into consideration that the race fans at Windsor, Dresden and Woodstock Raceways have seen basically zero promotions from Tandem Entertainment (the Toldo Company) during this year and a half delay? That WINRAC's we could care less attitude to the racing side of the business has caused the vast majority of Harness Racing fans to leave the building?
The ORC ruling clearly stated the reasons for this $25,000 per track as follows...
AND WHEREAS the Business Plan was reviewed and found to be deficient including but not limited to the following:
(a) only current year (2007) budget information was provided, although 5 year projection information was requested;
(b) no contribution analysis for either live racing or remote operations was supplied;
(c) there is essentially no substance to the marketing plan for the facility (Despite engagement of Harris Marketing Communications, there is no insight into management’s marketing plan or tactics as were specifically requested);
(d) no significant discussion was provided regarding customer service initiatives, nor was a plan on capturing customer satisfaction data to measure changes in satisfaction submitted;
(e) no information regarding a plan of capital improvements was provided other than to indicate that a plan would be dependant on the timeline of Project Ice Track, the current status of which is unknown.
NOW THEREFORE, a fine of $25,000 is hereby ordered for failure to submit the Business Plan in an acceptable form; AND FURTHER, the Association shall be fined $1,000 per day beginning on August 8, 2007, if the Association has not provided a Business Plan satisfactory to the Executive Director.
What I believe the ORC should have done is fined them like they said they were going to do and used those fines for promotions at the tracks in question. This would of course be on top of what WINRAC has proposed now and has been accepted by the ORC brass. That would have amounted to almost $400,000 to each track, Windsor Woodstock and Dresden.
I would think that would make for some grand promotions which might have attracted some fans back into the sport. Slots have benefitted the horsemen and racetrack owners at these tracks but left out the most important people that make the sport go...the race fans.
We must now ask will the ORC now release the accepted plans so the fans at these tracks can once again see how WINRAC is not following the rules set forth by the ORC again this year.
It’s been four years of downward spiral under the Toldo Team while the ORC sits back watching it all happen. Kind of makes you wonder if the ORC has been given a mandate to allow racetrack owners in Ontario to ruin what’s left in harness racing here so the Government can justify pulling the slots cash from all parties, or at least reducing it greatly.
Paul Kaminski, Windsor,Ont
July 24 2008
Whipping Display In Gold Final Inexcusable
To all those involved in the decision making for the sport of racing I would like a clear and cogent response to this question: What is it going to take for you to actually do something to improve our sport?
Anyone who knows me or has spoken to me over the past several years is aware of my views in general concerning the lack of direction and leadership in the industry. Case in point: This past week at Kawartha Downs we held the Gold Final for two-year-old trotting colts. We had a really quality bunch of colts and we knew our fans were in for a great race.
We had a nice crowd on hand and what did they witness? The winner and second place horses whipped to excess, so much so each driver was fined, to which I say big deal, $120,000 on the line what's a couple hundred more or less?
You have to change the mentality or make penalties that actually mean something in order to do so. I'll guarantee there were several of the sports’ top drivers standing trackside and even they would agree that the display witnessed was inexcusable.
As someone who has attempted the last few years to get people back to the track believe me it's a hard enough sell without trying to justify excessive whipping. The majority of newcomers have grown up their entire lives being schooled about animal abuse; you cannot explain away what appears to them (and is in some cases) unnecessary abuse.
Recently we tried to get our track rules amended to prohibit the one-handed shots just as Dr. Clarke and Ian Fleming attempted to do at their tracks but to no avail. The ORC's response was it would be brought up at the next meeting for rule changes but having different whipping rules at different tracks wouldn't be consistent and would be "confusing" to all those involved.
So I'm thinking this will go to the same way as everything else in this sport, no where. Hey leadership - if you have any other suggestions and or policies that might help get people back to the track I'd be glad to listen.
Dave Gilders, Peterborough, Ontario
July 14 2008
Some Words Of Advice For The Careful Shopper
On the surface if I asked what similarities are there between Somebeachsomewhere and Todd JH Hanover one might be tempted to respond with the answer none - other than that they are each three-year-old pacing colts.
Somebeachsomewhere is simply one of, if not the greatest, horses to ever look through a bridle. Todd JH Hanover is a very nice and improving pacer whose ability and value continues to improve.
Both horses turned in outstanding performances (on a different level of course) on Saturday evening. Ironically Todd JH Hanover's win in the $58,000 Summertime Series final was worth more purse money than Somebeachsomewhere's in the $50,000 elimination for The Meadowlands Pace.
What else do they have in common? They were each the very first yearling sold in their respective sales sessions in Lexington and Harrisburg. Although SBSW brought a respectable $40,000 and Todd JH Hanover brought a less meaningful $15,000, they were both exceptionally nice colts who arguably might have been overlooked because of their early position in the sale.
I can only speak with authority regarding Todd JH Hanover. He was a gorgeous yearling out of an excellent producing mare who showed precocious ability in the paddock and videoed exceptionally well. I remember saying to Tim Pinske after he bought him that I thought he bought the bargain of the sale. To this day I wonder how he brought as little as he did. I know that we sold another All American Native colt later in the sale for $50,000 who I did not like nearly as well. Such are horse sales. What you lose on the apples, you often make up for on the oranges.
What is to be learned from this lesson? Maybe nothing, although I do not think that is the case. What I think is to be learned is that the wise shopper looks at as many yearlings that interest him and that he then follows that up by being in the sales arena when each of those yearlings is being sold.
Murray Brown, Hanover, Pa.
July 10 2008
Hennessy Addresses Alberta Woes
I’m sure by now that every one of your readers is aware of the terrible situation we have here in Alberta harness racing. As one of the native born Alberta horsemen I feel the urge to get a few things off my chest on the matter.
To get right to the point, this decision by Northlands to eliminate harness racing if allowed to go forward will end Standardbred racing in this province. If that organization wants to go with just the Thoroughbreds so be it but I question how long it will be before they don’t want them either.
In my case it now gets down to what my son Mike wants to do. It’s going to be his stable but I will probably just retire from racing horses and limit myself to developing a few colts. If this goes ahead there is nothing left of the game in Alberta. The meet at Grand Prairie is a joke. All we wanted was equal treatment but we cannot seem to get that.
I think that the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association is doing all it can do but its influence is very limited. I point the finger at Northlands for this issue and to Horse Racing Alberta who never had a realistic game plan from the start. I also am not convinced that the people behind the proposed new track were in the real world either.
The breeders are finished with this news. I’m quite sure it will be announced shortly that one major breeder is closing up shop and getting out. The trainers just don’t know where to turn. I’m not convinced that Ontario is a realistic option. With the Quebec situation as bad as ours Ontario is getting flooded with horses. That aside, I just don’t know how the guys do it with the escalating costs of running stables. If you are not consistently in the top three you can’t make it. When I was stabled there four years ago it was bad but it’s a lot worse now.
The tragedy of it all is that racing is still viable despite what Northlands wants people to think. Numbers can be twisted many different ways. If Northlands is allowed to do this it will put a large, large number of people out of work and cost a lot to the economy. I will be so discouraged and disgusted with our racing officials and government if this is allowed to happen. What’s needed is a genuine effort to come to the table which obviously has not been the case until now.
The industry as a whole needs Alberta and every jurisdiction possible to keep racing alive. Look at the goods and services that are involved. Isn’t it about time that some common sense came to the table?
Rod Hennessy, Edmonton, Alberta
June 18 2008
Setting The Record Straight
As the proud owners of Tug River Princess, we would like to set the record straight as to the events surrounding the ruling in Delaware regarding Trevor Warwick, as trainer, and the forfeiture of purse in the final of the Breeder’s Stakes on April 10th.
Many facts were omitted in the press release that we all have read.
Our New Jersey Trainer, Ross Croghan, tried diligently to contact Mr. Hugh Gallagher, who is head of the Delaware Racing Commission, for two weeks prior to the draw for the first elimination race. No calls were returned, so after three days, he contacted the Race Secretary at Dover to intervene. Once again, “his” calls were not returned. Finally, one day prior to the draw day, Mr. Croghan asked the Race Secretary to call Mr. Gallagher again as by now he suspected an issue was about to arise. Two hours later, he got his answer. No entries would be accepted by Mr. Croghan in the State of Delaware.
Ross Croghan is currently licensed in Delaware so this must have been a personal decision. Since Ross was about to leave on vacation, and time was short, we had two alternatives:
• Go to court and seek a legal remedy.
• Use a Delaware “approved” trainer
We chose the latter.
After handily winning her elimination and looking at her stake schedule, we made a calculated risk to skip the second leg in Delaware and race in The Blossom leg at the Meadowlands in an attempt to race in both finals. Hence, Tug River Princess was then shipped back to Ross Croghan’s barn.
After winning the Blossom leg, she was turned out at a farm in New Jersey. This is the same farm that we use for all of our broodmares and most of our racehorses.
When Mr. Warwick was questioned which farm by the judges, he did not know. But then again, why should he? Why is that a surprise since Ross made the arrangements?
We would not be comfortable turning out this mare at a farm we did not have a relationship with. We were only turning over control of Tug River Princess to Mr. Warwick for her Delaware races, not her career.
She subsequently won the Delaware final at odds of 1-20 and won by 8.5 lengths eased up and then went on to win the Blossom final as well. She has won this season, for all four trainers that she has had.
When after three weeks, the purse cheque for the Delaware final did not arrive, we called to check on its whereabouts. We were stunned to find out that an investigation was being done.
It was not until after the verdict was rendered against Mr. Warwick, suspending him for six months, and penalizing us by forfeiting the purse, even though the horse tested clean, that we were contacted by an investigator on this matter. To date, Ross Croghan has never been questioned.
The intent of the rule, that was incorrectly applied, was to stop trainers acting as “beards”. Everyone involved here is legally licensed. Why then did Hugh Gallagher not allow Ross Croghan to enter the horse?
As a side note, Ross Croghan was never in Delaware during either of the Delaware races and was actually out of the country for the first one and in Florida the week of the final.
In closing we are very proud of the accomplishments this season of Tug River Princess and believe there was a tremendous miscarriage of justice for Trevor Warwick to take the fall for events that are all within the spirit and letter of the rules.
We hope upon appeal that the decision is reversed and fairness prevails.
Eric Cherry, “The Let It Ride Stables”
Robert Cooper
Jerry Silva
June 16 2008
Congratulations To MacDonell & The Beach Crew
I will join the long list of people and say congratulations to all of the connections of Somebeachsomewhere on Saturday's NA Cup win. Outstanding performance that didn't disappoint the thousands in attendance and the many more watching coast to coast, something this sport badly needed, a superstar who delivers.
However I really wanted to say that I am especially happy for the winning driving Paul MacDonell. Over the years Paul has exhibited what is great about the sport of harness racing, he is talented, hard working and has lots of class and I'm proud to say I know him.
He also is humble to a fault and probably wouldn't take much credit for something in which he definitely played a major role. Congrats Paul on a career night not at all surprising to me and hopefully for you and all racing fans there will be many more to come.
David Gilders, Peterborough, Ontario
June 6 2008
Apologies To ORC
Recently I wrote a letter which in part laid the blame for chumminess on the part of drivers on the fact that most venues have the same judges in the stand for extended periods of time. As an example of this practice I cited the WEG tracks.
It turns out that in this instance I was wrong. The Ontario Racing Commission does in fact rotate their judges at all tracks under their jurisdiction. It's a practice for which they should be commended. I wish that many more jurisdictions throughout North America and especially in the United States would adopt.
Kudos to the ORC for their farsightedness.
Murray Brown, Hanover, Pa
May 30 2008
Whipping Horses
I whole heartedly agree with Murray Brown about the indiscriminate use of the whip. We have had a hard time attracting young fans to harness racing. The indiscriminate use of the whip is one reason that when we are lucky enough to get young fans to the track, they often don't come back.
It only takes one instance of whipping a horse to turn off a young fan to racing and losing a racing patron for life. My dad has his horses in over 800 races a year at the major tracks with all the major drivers. If any of the top drivers beat one of our horses because they drove dumb, they would not drive for us again. They know that and we never have any problems.
I think that where this happens most is when the driver is the trainer or owns a part of the horse. They think that it is their horse and they can do what they want with it. It may be "their horse" but it is "a horse" and all horses deserve respect. Beating the horse in public is not showing respect to the horse.
If we don't respect the horse the general public will not respect our sport and we will not survive. We are not so much in the horse business as we are in the entertainment business. If we do not entertain we will no longer be in the horse business.
The general public just does not think that watching a horse get beat is entertainment. Mr. Brown is also right about animal rights groups. In the near future we will do battle with these people. They are crafty, well funded, and willing to run over and destroy anything that they think is not the way they think it should be. We have to be ready for this onslaught and a better whipping rule would be a good first step.
Joseph G. Muscara, Pennsylvania
May 23 2008
Judges Need To Be Moved
Relative to the recent letters regarding "chumminess" on the racetrack, it is unfortunately a situation which infects many of North America's racing venues. I don't mean to imply that there is anything dishonest taking place, but rather that it is a consequence of a relatively small group of people working and living in close proximity to each other over an extended period of time. This includes not only horse people and drivers, but also judges.
Friendships and even close family ties develop. It is especially evident at years long continuous venues such as the WEG and tracks such as The Meadows where the cast of characters including the judges rarely if ever changes. It's only human nature that you are not going to harm somebody that is your friend, your neighbour or even your relative.
In my opinion two things, both of them relating to the judges would help improve the situation. The first would be that the judges should regularly get shifted from track to track. The second and certainly the most important would be that the judges strictly uphold both the written rules and the intent of these rules.
This would not necessarily solve the problem, but would go a long way towards improving it.
Murray Brown, Hanover, Pa.
Fines Needed For Lack Of Effort
Thank you, Art, for bringing up this most relevant subject. I am in complete agreement with what you had to say. Things are becoming ridiculous on the WEG circuit.
It's amazing how certain drivers are like Jekyll & Hyde when it comes to their driving. You can tell when they're trying and when they aren't in my opinion. What the judges need to do, is start giving drivers 60 days for lack of effort. Unfortunately, the judges don't do much of anything when it comes to the regulars.
Amazingly, they'll fine horsemen from out of town for the most questionable of infractions. All of a sudden, they act like heroes. Something needs to be done about this before it's too late.
Mark Bloch, Montreal, Quebec
May 22 2008
Former Simulcast Customer Dislikes WEG Driving Styles
In response to Mr. Zubrod, the chumminess of the WEG driving colony is exposed on the several big nights a year when the high-end stakes are being contested. The Meadowlands drivers go up there and clean the locals' clocks on a regular basis.
The style of racing between the Big M and WEG is as different as night and day. At the Big M there are no friends on the track, and the driving race in and race out is aggressive and passionate. WEG driving is complacent and there is a "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" attitude, all the while there are no consequences.
Yes, I am a former simulcast customer.
Mike Sprague, Bedminster, NJ
More Agreement With Zubrod
In response to the letter submitted by Mr. Art Zubrod, to you sir, I doff my chapeau. As a racing fan, and only a fan, not licensed by any jurisdiction, I say thank you.
You have put into words what my feelings have been for the longest time. I have not expressed my feelings publicly, but have with my cash, as it now goes to the racing product at The Meadowlands, The Meadows and Chester.
Again, my thanks for your honesty and candor.
C.A. Imrie, London, Ontario
Agrees With Zubrod's Letter
In response to Art Zubrod's letter posted earlier today, I second that motion wholeheartedly.
As a fan of the sport, I want to know that the officials are calling every violation. Not just a fine here, a suspension there. Every violation that is committed should be called.
From excessive whipping to giving unnecessary holes. From talking on the track to setting a slow pace and being late for post parades.
Do judges, or drivers for that matter, not realize that an incredibly high percentage of the wager is based on simulcast outlets that rely on seeing each horse in a post parade? Obviously not, or they'd show some respect for the game and start doing it in a professional manner.
And talking on the track? They talk from the time they post parade right up the time they go to the starting gate. And then they're talking to each other right after the wire. Do they not realize how bad this looks to the audience?
Save it for later.
And making holes for one another going into the first turn, or being 15 feet off the gate at the start or coming off the rail in the stretch to let your buddy up the inside.
How in the world can the judges not enforce these types of rules?
If they started fining or suspending those participants that can't play within the lines of the rules, then the offenders would stop abusing the system. The only reason drivers continue to do this is because they know they can get away with it without being punished.
The ORC judges need a serious lesson on enforcing rules. I'd go so far as to say they probably don't even realized some of these infractions are even in the book.
On behalf of the betting public, let me be the first to say "wake up and smell the coffee".
Jess Frederick Toronto, Ontario
Enforce ALL The Rules
The current poll on the Standardbred Canada website would have made me laugh out loud if I hadn't been so damn mad by the end of it. The poll asks the reader to choose ONE of the following that they wish the judges would consistently enforce:
Driving in a careless manner and causing interference
Excessive use of the whip
Failure to come into position on the gate
Failure to keep hands in handholds
Failure to keep feet in stirrups
Failure to maintain a pace
Failure to properly contest a slow pace
Indiscriminate use of the whip
Interference violation
Kicking horse during race
Laying off pace and failing to close an open hole
Talking before the race
ONE?, how about enforcing them ALL.
There has been a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth from Ontario lately about the dwindling handles. Does anyone think that the enforcement of the rules may make the product better? Can anyone extrapolate that a better product may make for larger handles? Watching the races from Woodbine and Mohawk has become an ordeal for me. From the irregular post parades, to the drivers chatting away on the track, and then on to all the grabbing of leather to make a hole for a horse from the nine hole who isn't going to clear.
The drug problem has been focused upon over the past several years as the single largest impediment to industry growth. The betting public doesn't care about drugs, all they want is a consistent product with all horses trying to win the race.
I am in no way ignoring the drug issue. It is the bane of the honest owner and of the breeding farms, but I truly don't think it has a major impact on handle. It is time for management to look to their own house for some answers.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Art Zubrod, Kentucky
May 21 2008
Clouthier Speaks Out On The Whipping Rule
We want to encourage more people to enjoy harness racing but allowing the current whipping rule we are actually discouraging people. The public perception must always be upper most in our mind and generally speaking the public does not want a driver putting both lines in one hand, reaching back with the other hand and whipping the horse.
It sends a terrible signal and we must do something about it. At the very least both hands should always be on the lines when using the whip. This would minimize the egregious display of abusing the horse.
Believe me good drivers need not resort to slashing and whipping a horse. The O’Brien Awards are named after Joe O’Brien. Anyone who saw Mr. O’Brien drive knows that he did not whip a horse. They called him “jiggling Joe” – He jiggled the lines and gave confidence to the horse.
To regain public confidence in horse racing the whipping rule must change. It will be a step in the right direction.
Note that my suggestion regarding the change to the rule are based on my own personal observations.
Hector Clouthier, Toronto, Ontario
May 19 2008
A Race Track First
Just a short note that I feel should be put in print. Hugh Mitchell at Western Fair in my mind operates a first class facility where the customer and racing comes first.
As a race fan for some 40 years or so I've been to many tracks all over North America and while I have favourites, Western Fair tops my list. In slot rich Ontario most of the Racino tracks in my opinion put the slots ahead of the core product racing in fact most have slots in there track name.
On any given race night you will see Hugh Mitchell and Ian Fleming walking the grandstand floor talking with friends and customers getting their feedback first hand seeing and hearing themselves. The program cover Catch The Action to the neon sign on the front of the building Western Fair Raceway urges me to come in for the racing and hospitality.
Bob Adams, London, Ontario
May 15 2008
Happy Birthday Harness Edge
Five years already? Congratulations on the excellent jounalism both in the Birthday magazine and the superbly updated website.
I'm a fan and reader of both.
Bob Marks, New Jersey
May 14 2008
Mare Should Not Be Able To Race
I sure hope that WEG sticks to its guns and does not allow for the entry of the horse Michelles Power. The only way that we are going to get results is to ban the horse for an extended amount of time if it tests positive for a serious drug. This will make the owners sit up and pay attention to who they entrust their horses to, and if they don't like it then they should make better decisions about their trainers instead of just turning a blind eye and going to whoever is hot at the time.
To say that they don't know what is going on is a joke. What do they think drives the high vet bills they get? I mean come on get real!
If this horse is allowed to race it does a disservice to every person involved in the sport.
Your reputation is all that you have and our reputation as a sport is in taters right now.
Joe Parkinson,Sharon, Ontario
Loves The New Website
I would like to congratulate The Harness Edge on your new website. The new look is fresh, user-friendly and very professional. You’ve certainly stepped it up a notch with all the innovation in the new design. The headline stories are easy to read and you’ve simplified the options for the various videos, pictures and podcasting.
I go on The Harness Edge website several times a day to read the story headlines and updates. You continue to keep the news updated and stories current. The site is very informative.
During the past five years I’ve also enjoyed reading both The Harness Edge and Horse Care magazines. You cover stories on horses and horseman from coast to coast. I’m sure I speak for many Albertans, when I thank you for all the coverage that we have received here. We appreciate the exposure and support from The Harness Edge. Hope to see you back soon!
Good luck and wishing you continued success with your magazines and website.
Orianna Scheck, Calgary, AB
May 8 2008
Two Ideas to Reshape Racing
I need to preface this letter by saying that I realize that there is far more chance of my becoming the first geriatric to walk on the moon than there is of my suggestions being implemented by our industry. Nevertheless - here goes!!
Years ago Dr John Hayes publicly stated that it’s not a question of IF but rather of WHEN an organization such as PETA grabs on to the horse racing industry and either pickets it or otherwise institutes serious barriers to its continuance and working order.
In view of the recent Kentucky Derby tragedy, it appears that time is if not imminent, is in serious danger of becoming so. There have been numerous appearances in the media by representatives of both PETA and other animal advocacy groups complaining about horse racing and what they feel is the animal abuse related to it. There is a saying that "adversity often creates opportunity". I believe that our industry can significantly benefit both from a PR perspective and also from the view of attracting more fans by implementing my two proposals.
(1) Ban the use of whips in races, or as an alternative allow them to be carried and only used as a safety measure. I have been in this business that I love for the better part of a half century. My three adult children have never known a time when they were not around horses. They love horses, yet they don't particularly like horse racing. The reason is they hate to see horses beaten. I have tried to explain to them that it isn't near as bad as it might sometime look. I think I believe this but I'm honestly not sure. I know that they don't.
If kids who have known horses and horse racing all of their lives think that we are capable of brutalizing the wonderful animals from which their father has made a good part of their lives possible, then how can we possibly expect to attract newcomers who often are repulsed by what they first see on the racetrack? I know all the reasons why drivers, trainers and some owners think whips are necessary. I also know that racing takes place successfully in some areas without the use of the whip.
(2) Ban the use of ALL pre race medication. This should include lasix, bute, banamine and all other drugs. Are they performance enhancers? Perhaps not, but they do mask pain. Masking pain allows a horse to do things which at a point in time they are not physiologically capable of doing and sometime can lead to significant if not catastrophic injuries. ESPN's racing analyst Randy Moss (not the football player) has often said that North America is the only racing venue which allows such liberal pre race treatment. He strongly advocates both the abolishment of the whip and the use of all pre race drugs.
I've often been accused of being a dreamer, a Pollyanna or trying to emulate Don Quixote. If so, I plead guilty as charged. However I hate to see the further deterioration of one the world's greatest sports knowing (or thinking that I know) of ways to improve its stature.
Murray Brown, Hanover, Pa.
PS- Relative to the above mentioned Dr. John Hayes, I strongly believe that his is one of our greatest and sadly our most under utilized minds. But I guess that's a topic for another time and place.
May 6 2008
ORC’s Response To Pat Ryan Letter
In Ontario, the horse racing community has chosen to support what it does better than any other jurisdiction, its Ontario Sires Stakes Program. Moving forward, the Ontario Racing Commission will continue to work with the industry to find new ways to improve the Program, and to improve the conditions for Ontario breeders, who are vital to the success of our industry.
First of all, let me congratulate Mr. Ryan on the success of the three-year-old filly that he bred, Western Graduate. His letter has sparked much discussion on the merits of breeding in Ontario as opposed to breeding in Pennsylvania and it is evident that there is still some confusion as to how OSS Breeders’ Rewards will be paid out beginning in 2008.
Mr. Wilson has come to the defence of the Ontario Sires Stakes program and there are only two words I would add to his statement.
“An Ontario breeder of a horse that wins $420,000 in the 2008 OSS program would receive at least $63,000 in Breeders’ Awards”.
The ORC oversees and administers the Ontario Sires Stakes Program, which falls under the bigger umbrella of the Horse Improvement Program. Yes, we have been looking at ways to improve the Program and, yes, we have been making decisions where there have been funds available to do so.
With the completion of the Review of the Horse Improvement Program in 2007, which involved many members of the associations and the industry at large, the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission approved the recommendation for an enhanced Breeders’ Program. The new Breeders’ Rewards Program approved for 2008 more than doubles the amount available to the Breeders.
A major component of the new Breeders’ Rewards is the Ontario Mare Residency Program, which will be in place for foals of 2009 and later. Please note – the Mare Residency Program has no affect on which horses can race in the OSS Program. The OSS is, and continues to be, a series of races for Ontario sired horses. Any foal sired by an OSS registered stallion is eligible to race for the lucrative OSS purses. The Ontario Mare Residency Program only affects which breeders will receive Breeders’ Rewards.
Starting in 2011 when the first foals under the Mares Residency Program are competing in the OSS, the Breeders’ Rewards will only be paid to the breeders of horses earning money in OSS races where the horse is out of an Ontario Resident Mare.
In the meantime, Breeders’ Rewards for foals of 2006, 2007 and 2008 will be paid as follows:
a) All breeders, regardless of residency, will receive a Breeders’ Reward equal to 7% of all OSS earnings for any OSS horses bred by them.
b) In addition, an amount equal to 8% of all OSS purses will be available as an Ontario Breeder Bonus and will be split among all Ontario breeders whose horses earn money in the Program.
This means that the breeder of a horse earning $420,000 in OSS purse money will receive $29,400 (7% of the horse’s OSS earnings). If the breeder is Ontario based, they will be entitled to at least an additional $33,600 (8% of all OSS purses) for a total of $63,000. Keep in mind that not all horses in the OSS Program will have been bred by Ontario breeders, therefore the 8% of all OSS purses will split among fewer people providing a higher amount to the Ontario breeders. Given that the number of Ontario breeders will not be known until the end of the season, no exact figures can be calculated now as to how much that amount will be. But it will be at least $63,000.
Ontario has chosen to support what it does better than any other jurisdiction, its Ontario Sires Stakes Program.
The ORC continues to work with the industry to find additional funds for the Horse Improvement Program that will allow all of the recommendations proposed under the Review to be approved. To view the recommendations, we encourage you to go to the ORC website to see the details at www.ontarioracingcommission.ca. The Final Report on the Review will be issued shortly.
If anyone has any questions about the OSS program, please contact myself or Karen Hauver, OSS Administration Coordinator, at 519 369-3545 or by e-mail at records@ontariosiresstakes.com .
Sincerely,
Wendy Hoogeveen
Director, Industry Development and Support
Ontario Racing Commission
416-213-0520
wendy.hoogeveen@ontarioracingcommission.ca
May 3 2008
The Grass Could Be Greener In Ontario
The reality is, an Ontario breeder of a horse that wins $420,000 in the 2008 OSS program would receive $63,000 in Breeders awards. I'm not even sure that a horse could win $420,000 in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes program.
Regardless, each program has its strengths and weaknesses. I'm breeding in both jurisdictions but keeping my mares in Ontario because I don't want to pay the much increased board fees in Penn and because of the uncertainty of what the Breeders Awards are on a horse by horse basis in the Penn program.
In my view, for a good horse from an Ontario RESIDENT MARE, racing in 2008 in the OSS program will give markedly superior returns for both owner and breeder to any other Sire Stakes program in NA. That may not be true for the total dollars in the program or from a mare resident somewhere else but I believe that it will be so for the individual winning horse from an Ontario RESIDENT MARE.
We Canadians tend to believe that the grass is always greener elsewhere, we still have the best program in the world, all we need to do now is to convince yearling buyers that that is the case and breed the best horses to go along with it.
"You pays your money and you make your choice", and that IS fair!
Mike Wilson. Rockwood Ontario
More On Pa Breeders’ Program
I read with interest Pat Ryan's letter with regard to the breeder's award cheque he received as being the breeder of Western Graduate. The Pennsylvania program is indeed unique and is an admirable boost to Pennsylvania equine agriculture as well as an incentive for land preservation in the Keystone State.
It’s important to understand that the recipients of cheques for the years prior to the establishment and enforcement of criteria for the breeders’ awards are not based on the same requirements as those for subsequent years.
In order that there is no misunderstanding I would suggest that those planning to breed and/or raise foals in Pennsylvania contact Gerry Connors, director of the Pennsylvania Breeders Fund at gconnors@state.pa.us to secure the necessary information in order to avoid any possible misunderstandings.
Murray Brown, Hanover, Pa.
Warmed Over Breeders Awards
Further to the letter posted yesterday regarding the breeders’ award cheque from Pennsylvania - in 2008, if a horse wins $420,000 in the Ontario Sires Stakes, the Breeders Awards will be $63,000.
Mike Wilson, Rockwood, Ontario
May 1 2008
Pennsylvania Makes A Point
In the wake of the discussion that continues about changes to the Ontario Sire Stakes program I felt it would be interesting for the readers of The Harness Edge to learn about an experience I just had with the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes.
Last week I received a breeders’ award cheque in the amount of $42,000 as my reward for having bred the pacing mare Western Graduate. Most people know that she won the Jugette and had quite a successful year earning $455,675.
However, few would know that I sold her for (US) $40,000 as a yearling and was upset all the way home from the Harrisburg sale. By my calculations, she represented a loss of $15,000. There was a $25,000 service fee to Western Hanover, board, foaling costs, sale entry fee and commissions that made it a losing proposition. I was devastated.
It was not until last fall when I received a letter from the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes people telling me that if I filled out an enclosed form that I would eligible for breeders awards. At that time I figured it would be around five percent like Ontario but could not get an exact figure from their office. Truthfully, I was not up to speed on just how their scheme worked.
When the cheque arrived in the mail I had to count the decimal point to see that it was indeed $42,000 and not $4,200, which was closer to what I anticipated. That got me out of the hole and more. Needless to say I am very impressed with Pennsylvania.
It would be my suggestion to the Ontario Sires Stakes people that they have to make a serious change at the end of this season, which should have been done last year when all the discussion was taking place. A warmed over change is not going to make any difference in so far as breeders are concerned. As a breeder I can say there just simply is no comparison between the two programs.
I want to stress that Ontario still has a good sires stakes program – just not for breeders. There are a lot of people out there consistently losing money breeding horses. If they cannot make it in the sales ring they have to get some help elsewhere, that being rewarded by the performance of their horses on the racetrack.
In comparison let’s take an Ontario sired performer who made comparable money and one that comes to mind is Somebody To Love. She won $420,000 last season, which is close enough. Her big accomplishment was finishing second in the Breeders Crown. In checking I discovered that her breeder Docs Farm of Florida received approximately $10,000 for her accomplishments. I wonder how that breeder will feel when he reads this letter.
As it so happens I am breeding Countryview Miss to Western Ideal who stands in New Jersey this year but she is carrying another Western Hanover foal. But this experience with that Pennsylvania program has led me to rethink my future breeding plans.
Ontario has to double its return to breeders. There are a declining number of us left and it will further diminish unless serious change is implemented. It’s a mature program that needs some retooling and I suggest you gate keepers of the OSS get to it.
Pat Ryan, London, Ontario
April 27 2008
Congrats Steve!
On Friday night Steve Condren achieved another milestone in his illustrious career, becoming only the eighth driver in history to surpass $100 million in earnings. He has done so without fanfare, along with a professionalism, that as I trainer I admire.
Steve, in my opinion has never received the recognition he deserves. Great job Steve and continued success.
John Kopas, Milton, Ontario
April 3 2008
MacDonell Deserves Success
Great interview with Paul MacDonell on this week’s "On The Edge." Paul is all class! He is very easy to root for. He seems to handle the spotlight very well and stands by the decision to put Somebeachsomewhere away early.
I hope the spotlight shines very bright on Paul who not only is a great driver, but that much greater as a person. This sport needs heroes like him. Best of luck to him and Somebeachsomewhere.
Chris Alexander, Aurora, Ontario
April 1 2008
What About Whipping Infractions?
Jess Frederick, you forgot to mention the slow motion replays down to the wire where we also see whipping on or below the level of the sulky shaft and between horses legs. Last time I checked my rulebook, these were violations too.
Darryl Holmes
Drivers Are Pulling Ear Plugs
The drivers are not kicking the horses or they would be fined.
What you are seeing, or not able to see due to the distance from the horses at Woodbine, is the driver pulling the pop out ear plugs that are tied to be maneuvered with their foot.
Name Withheld
Judges Need To Wake Up
Harness racing keeps crying about how many fans have stopped wagering on the sport.
Look no further than the judges stands at racetracks to figure out why.
I've called the judges at Woodbine a number of times with regards to the number of drivers that get their feet out of the stirrups and kick horses, and I have yet to see a fine for these violations.
I spoke with a judge Craig Walker, and he proceeded to tell me that the driver's foot was slipping out of the stirrup because it was a snowy night. I found it odd that the foot only came out when the driver was in a contending position and it only seemed to slip out in the stretch.
Another driver did the same thing the following night, and I spoke with judge Doug Hopkins. He said they would review the films and deal with it if there was an infraction.
Once again, there was nothing done about it.
Only a handful of drivers do this on an ongoing basis, and I want to know why they are allowed to get away with it? By dropping their feet out of the stirrups, they are gaining an unfair advantage when they kick a horse, and this is clearly what they are doing.
I even wrote a letter to the Ontario Racing Commission, but I haven't heard any type of a response to my questions and concerns.
At first, it was just three or four guys that were doing it, but now there are others following suit because they know the judges aren't doing their job.
I've got news for you, it is about time you started protecting bettors like me by cracking down on these guys that continue to break the rules. And this is just one the many problems that needs to be addressed.
Bettors are becoming extinct, so you'd better look after the ones that continue to have an interest in playing the game.
Jess Frederick, Toronto, Ontario
February 21 2008
Sell The Sizzle
I have read Mr. Karper's letter on increasing wagering at Canadian Racetracks by reducing takeout. Due to the proliferation of Triactor and Superfecta wagering today as well as the numerous Pick 3s, Pick 4s, Pick 6s, and Pick 7s this is difficult to do.
The biggest problem in horse racing is the huge reduction in total live wagering due to a proliferation of simulcast racing. Wagering on simulcast racing is great for the fan, however, it means the track and subsequently the horsemen are left with less than 50 per cent of their normal takeout after paying the high costs associated with simulcasting. In a lot of cases the track takeout on simulcasting is only five or six per cent after expenses.
Right now every simulcast dollar reduces total live wagering which in turn reduces daily takeout. This is why I have always believed, since the implementation of simulcasting, that tracks need to combine their race cards with other tracks. Tracks short of horses would no longer have a problem. Each track could have agreements to keep their total live onsite wager which would provide the impetus for each track's marketing department to do a great job.
What keeps racing fans interested is action, plain and simple. This is what drives people to the one armed bandits and card games. Constant action. I have been in Woodbine's Racino four times and have wagered a total of $20. I didn't have a clue how to play most of the games and there was no one around to explain them to me. Sounds a lot like racing for the novice fan doesn't it?
In today’s world marketing a live product where customers are forced to wait 20 to 30 minutes until the next live race makes as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. Just once I would love to see Woodbine and the Big M combine their race cards, offering fans 24 races each day with 12 live races at each track. Imagine, 24 races to wager on, 12 races to pay purses on, one channel on the television monitors to watch both tracks on, the same amount of time taken to run the 24 races as twelve races and on program.
By offsetting post times fans would have a live race to wager on every ten minutes and horsemen would still have 20 minutes to warm up at each track. Windsor could combine with Hazel Park, Western Fair with Grand River, Flamboro with Georgian Downs, Georgian Downs with Northfield on Saturday nights and Kawartha Downs with Rideau Carleton Raceway.
I enjoy going to Woodbine a great deal. What I do not enjoy is sitting down in front of a wall of television monitors on Saturday night with races coming from Santa Anita, Lonestar, Mountaineer, Balmoral, Fraser Downs, Georgian Downs, Northfield Park and the Meadowlands. The only thing I want at that time is a bottle of aspirin and a drink, strictly for medicinal purposes of course. After the third race another drink is needed and if the Leafs are playing the drink needs to be a double. Personally, I end up totally exhausted by the fifth race and ready to go home.
Sell the sizzle. It is worth it every time. Good luck, good racing.
Brian Hancox
February 13 2008
Drugs Aren’t Just In Horses
I have been a harness fan for over 40 years and if you take the number of times that I have seen the races live over this period and placed a body at the track you would have great live attendance. But in recent years attending live is somewhat agony for me because of the never ending stories about this driver or that driver on pills or drugs and with the number of races I've seen no one can tell me that this is not true.
I am not trying to be judge nor jury, but I truly believe that this problem is fact and not enough is being done to prevent it. All the bells and whistles from each track’s marketing department are just that, a new coat of paint on a rusted car it looks good but needs repairing.
Of all the good things the people of the industry do to help others and in some cases those who have no association with harness racing, I know that help is there, they just have to take the first step.
And repeat offenders after numerous substance abuse offenses for either alcohol or drugs should be banned. For all the negative press the industry gets true or false it is always the trainers using banned substances that is in the headlines. The harness industry means just that, it has to encompass every horse, owner, trainer, driver and racetrack.
Bob Adams, Toronto, Ontario
February 11 2008
No Need For Safety Lines
Further to the recent announcement by the Ontario Racing Commission regarding safety lines, it is my opinion that this rule is unnecessary and was made in response to a web poll conducted by Standardbred Canada. The poll would not have the same accuracy rate as a telephone poll.
I think before this rule is changed the ORC should have the Canadian Safety Association evaluate the safety factor of the lines being used. Or at least the ORC could have had tests conducted to see what the breaking point of the lines is.
If you calculate the number of horses that race on the WEG circuit you would find that lines were fastened to driving bits in the neighbourhood of 52,000 times. Even if safety lines were available we are still dealing with the human error factor.
I can think of a solution that would not cost anything and would have a side benefit as well. If the paddock judge would announce (four minutes to race 1,2,3, etc. for driver s to please attend their mounts) there would be sufficient time for the drivers to see that the lines are properly fastened. Also cell phones should be banned from the paddocks so that grooms are not using them when they should be working. Trainers and grooms could be required to take breathalizer tests as well to help eliminate human error.
I have been a driver and trainer for approximately 25 years and have had three problems with lines. Once I did not fasten a right line, once my groom did not fasten a right line and once my groom fastened the right line to the head halter. Now I check to see that the lines are properly fastened.
Keith Hastie, Priceville, Ontario
February 11 2008
Takeout Needs To Be Lowered
I believe that all of us in the harness racing industry are aware that wagering on our product is diminishing at a scary rate and has to be considered the number one concern for the sustainability of our sport.
Personally, I’ve come to the conclusion that the only chance that we have of increasing the current level of wagering would be to drastically decrease the “takeout”, from the current 15 to 30 per cent range down to five per cent, at least for a select group of “high rollers”.
To be eligible for this select group, one would have to prepay a $100 per race wager for a series of races (1 program or one week’s programs).
Of course, the handle would have to increase quite substantially in order to maintain the racetrack/horsemen income contribution from wagering. However, since most of the racetracks/horsemen in Canada currently depend on other revenue sources for the majority of their income, this potentially minor sacrifice would go a long way in assuring our survival.
The overall increase in wagering would demonstrate the viability and popularity of our sport to the governments, the press and the public. Also, ancillary revenue from food and programs would increase. Newspapers might be inclined to cover harness racing again in terms of Entries/Results and stories.
I’m ready to join the first group. I will guarantee a wager of $100 per race, for a period of time to be determined, at the first “A” or “B” track to offer this five per cent takeout to me across the board.
Rick Karper, Montreal
February 7 2008
Next Step For Burgess – Hall Of Fame
Congratulations, Blair Burgess! Your second recognition as Canada's Trainer of the Year is fully deserved, although a little late in coming.
The first decade of the new millennium has been dominated by your training exploits: two Horses of the Year in both Canada and the U.S., a North America Cup; two Hambletonians, a trotting Triple Crown, a Little Brown Jug, two Breeders Crowns, a Valley Victory, and a Meadowlands Pace amongst many other stakes wins.
Others may choose to race more horses, more often in lesser class races, but your abilities to point a horse towards the elite races and produce champions, has brought you to the pinnacle of our sport.
In this day and age where trainers specialize in one gait or the other, your achievements with both pacers and trotters make you very special. In future years, people may well refer to you in the same class as Stanley Dancer, Bill Haughton, Del Miller and the man you have several busts of, Joe O'Brien.
Certainly one hopes that people recognize the magnitude of your accomplishments. I, for one, hope to be there, the day they induct you into Goshen's Hall of Fame.
Neal Cooper, Toronto, Ontario
