New B.C. racing initiative · 12.05.08

A new initiative to develop an action plan for the development of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing in British Columbia was announced recently. Its ultimate goal is to stop and ultimately reverse the steady erosion of racing’s formerly prominent position among the province’s sports and entertainment options.

A “competition committee” has been formed, chaired by veteran owner, trainer, and industry executive David Milburn; the vice-chair and secretary is communications consultant, writer, and former radio broadcaster Gary Bannerman. Its members include racetrack executives from Hastings Racecourse, Fraser Downs, horse owners, trainers, marketing and communications specialists, and (most notably) horseplayers. I say “most notably” because while horseplayers (a.k.a. bettors) are the source of almost all revenue for the sport, they have almost never been consulted as part of past attempts to develop the sport.

I’ll continue to report on the committee’s progress as its work progresses. Readers with news to report or opinions to express are invited, as always, to comment.

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What do you think?

  1. Sounds interesting, hope you keep us informed. Also, thanks for the Bannerman site, some good stuff there.

    — E. Clarke · May 13, 10:17 AM · #

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