The 32nd Annual Halton Region Farm Tour on September 20th centred on the theme of “Horsepower in Halton”. More specifically, the event emphasized what the loss of the Slots at Racetracks Program will mean, and has already meant, to local members of the horse racing industry.
The Tour involved a busload of politicians and media seeing local farms and facilities firsthand, plus a visit to Mohawk Racetrack’s backstretch guided by Stable Area Superintendent Dana Keyes.
Dr. Bob Wright provided some convincing specifics when he delivered a presentation entitled, “The Economic Impact of Ontario’s Horse Racing Industry”
Another highlight of the afternoon included a panel moderated by Peter Lambrick, “Understanding the Economic Importance of a Thriving Equine Industry to Halton and the Province.”
Panel members included: Dr. Natalie Cote, Cofounder, Milton Equine Hospital, Milton, ON Jamie Martin, Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) Executive Vice-President of Racing Anna Meyers, President of Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA) Bill O’Donnell, President of Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) Joe Stutzman, Owner/Manager of First Line Training Centre, Milton, ON
Anna Meyers spoke with CHCH-TV during the tour and characterized the frustrating position of individuals and breeders as, “waiting and waiting and waiting for answers.” See that interview which took place at Sam-Son Farms by clicking here.
