(Photo courtesy of Jorge Royan via Wikipedia)(Photo courtesy of Jorge Royan via Wikipedia)
Windsor

Leamington Raceway keeps fighting for its survival

Nerves have calmed down a bit at Leamington Raceway after the province announced late Friday that it is supporting some race tracks with additional funding without mentioning Leamington.

Tom Bain, an executive member of the Lakeshore Horse Raceway, said preliminary talks are underway with the province to reach a long-term agreement for Leamington Raceway and adds the goal is to improve the operation beyond the current two-year contract. Bain said he remains positive a deal can be reached soon.

"We don't have slots but the deal with Dresden compensated them for the loss of them. Certainly, we are looking at bolstering our purse money," said Bain.

Bain said a long-term deal is crucial because it takes three years to raise and train horses to get them ready to race.

He said provincial representatives have presented local representatives with an option but wouldn't say any more because negotiations are ongoing.

Robert Gibson, the press secretary for the Office of the Honourable Victor Fedeli Minister of Finance, said they will have more to say about tracks like Leamington in the future.

Leamington Raceway almost closed a couple of years ago.

There are two race dates left this year on October 21 and 28.

Bain said he doesn't think Leamington Raceway will close but admitted bargaining has been moving slower than other tracks.

"What we are really looking for is stabilization of the industry, not just for two years but for the next 15 or 20 years," he said.

Bain said Leamington Raceway has proven its viability and added that it out-bets neighbouring race tracks when it comes to live betting, including the one in London.

"We have brought in a much higher calibre of horses to come in and race. We brought in horses this summer, not only from the London area but from the Toronto area and I think we need to build on that," Bain said.

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