Scott Waddell on Racing

I have had some interesting feedback from some people when I refer to horse racing in the same breath as the word “industry”.

Interesting to say the least. There are people who refer to horse racing as a gaming option. Very true. Some like to think of it as entertainment. Very true.

But using the word horse “industry” seems to be voodoo in some peoples opinions. I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a province that is steep and rich in traditional racing. A province where we race for a maximum purse of just over $ 1000 every week. Racing only happens once a week in my province during most months.

I consider racing as an “industry” besides the other avenues that it provides to all involved. It provides economic spin-offs to the economy. Our gov’t here has invested approximately $ 3-million over a three-year period to aid the fledgling “industry”. With investment, comes growth.

Racing in New Brunswick has been able to survive without the support of SLOTS. That in itself says something. How many places in Canada might face the same challenges we now face had they not been and continue to be bailed out by SLOT money?

Everyone in the horse racing “industry” pays taxes on everything that is spent with regards to supplies, equipment, horses themselves. Gas that used to haul horses from track to track, province to province.

How about the people who are dependent on business from the racing “industry”. Farriers, tack shops, breeders, feed providers, farmers, and the list goes on.

People question that horse racing is an “industry”? Hogwash. Question should be can it be a sustainable one……..

[Scioto Downs image found on Flickr]