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 Hachey Comments onm 2009 Race DatesCollectively HRNB and the Regional Industry Reps have agreed upon the following. -----Wednesdays conflicted with large number of summer events in Fredericton. -----A significant portion of employer reconciliation periods in Fredericton are on Thursday. -----The live bet in Fredericton has substantially exceeded Saint John of late, so as a result Saint John will move to Sundays for a test project that will accommodate the current limited Provincial horse population. Thursday-Saturday conflicts were discussed and eliminated where possible. The date in June has been scheduled for Woodstock as a trial event due to a concert planned for Fredericton on/around the regular race date. Instead of cancelling the opportunity for Fredericton/Central horse people, the show will roll to Woodstock. The live wager in Woodstock has been significant when racing comes to town, so the thought process is that the event will provide an opportunity to probe strategic expansion into fair track markets. As for equipment requirements and costs..............Provincial modifications, the unification of the New Brunswick racing environment, plus re-negotiated service provider contracts, will present opportunities to conduct enhanced fair track events at a reduced cost. The action packed Woodstock "Fair week" will see the trotting stakes on Monday, Andrews Open Mares on Wednesday and the McCain on Friday. The extension of the week will assist in the development of various community, family and youth events to compliment the Agricultural Region. HRNB at best will have possession of the Provinces race facilities with 10 months remaining in 2009. Considering the surrounding Provincial race dates and external factors that impact the New Brunswick environment, a race schedule comprised of 66 to 68 race cards was agreed to be in the best interest the industry and its members. Hachey also points out that a regional simulcast plan is being looked at by the group.
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