A new approach for racing in B.C.? · 23.11.09

The provincial government announced on 17 November the formation of a new body to oversee and coordinate Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing and breeding in British Columbia.

For the first time, an attempt is being made to coordinate the activities of the various corporations and horsemen’s groups that have managed various sectors of the sport and breeding industry. The new B.C. Horse Racing Industry Management Committee “brings the industry together under a single team to establish and implement a more efficient financial management structure and develop a new marketing strategy to increase revenue”, according to the government press release.

This does not appear to be the same group, promoted by former radio personality Gary Bannerman, that I reported on last year. There has been no further word about that “competition committee” in over a year.

Tom Wolski likes it — “What is wrong with change, especially when everything else was failing?”, he asks.

Maybe. Racing in B.C., just like everywhere else, needs a good kick if it is to survive in the long-term. However, it has been said that a committee is the only known form of life with up to a hundred stomachs and no brain — whether BCHRIMC (their name doesn’t even make a good acronym) proves to be an exception remains to be seen.

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What do you think?

  1. Could be a good idea. My suggestion for a first step: get a horseplayer on the committee!

    — Dave · Nov 24, 01:12 PM · #

  2. Heard from another source: the ONLY aspect of the game NOT represented? The bettor.

    Sounds typical: Look everywhere but the major source of you income.

    — Dr. TImothy Yatcak · Nov 24, 01:26 PM · #

  3. The Milburn/Bannerman “competition” committee that I alluded-to supposedly included horseplayers — but again, there’s been no sign of it.

    — E-man · Nov 26, 12:34 AM · #

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