Harness Racing Plan Moves
Forward

The Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. has given the Atlantic Lottery Corp. the green light to enter the next phase of its plans to revitalize the harness racing business in the Maritime provinces, announced Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine as Minister responsible for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission.

Earlier this week, the board of Atlantic Lottery Corp. authorized its management to begin negotiations with participating racetracks, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, the federal government and other stakeholders. These discussions will take place over the next month, and resulting agreements will go back to the board of the Atlantic Lottery Corp. for approval Feb. 9.

"This is an important next step in creating a strong, viable harness racing industry that benefits the whole province," said Mr. Lorraine. "This is good news for horse owners, track staff, related businesses, and fans of harness racing in Nova Scotia. The harness racing industry is important to this region and the economy of Nova Scotia."

Pending the success of negotiations, full transition of harness racing operations to Atlantic Lottery Corp. is expected by May. Racing could resume as early as February 15 at the Truro Raceway. The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission is prepared to begin qualifying races three weeks in advance of that date.

"The Atlantic Lottery Corp. has the expertise in operations, marketing and promotions to re-establish the harness racing industry as a viable business in Nova Scotia," said Dara Gordon, vice-chair of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. Atlantic Lottery, as an agent of the gaming corporation, conducts and manages gaming activities in Nova Scotia.

The minister noted the importance of moving the process along in order for tracks to plan for the upcoming race season. "Working together in a spirit of co-operation, we can make this a real success story," said Mr. Lorraine.

Atlantic Lottery Corp.'s involvement in the racing industry was first suggested a year ago when the Maritime premiers' conference asked it to develop a plan to manage, market and promote the sport.

Nova Scotia has three harness racing tracks, in Inverness, Sydney and Truro.