Final Approval on Harness Racing Plan
Harness racing in Nova Scotia will get a boost from the involvement of the Atlantic Lottery Corp. Plans to revitalize the Maritime harness racing industry received final approval from the board of the Atlantic Lottery Corp. and the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. yesterday.
"This is good news for horse owners, track staff, related businesses and fans of harness racing in Nova Scotia," said Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine, as minister responsible for the province's harness racing industry. "The harness racing industry is important to this region and the economy of Nova Scotia."
Under the plan, the Atlantic Lottery Corp. will work with local race tracks to improve the industry. It will play a major role in marketing and promoting harness racing. The corporation will also be involved in the areas of classification, purse structure and wagering.
"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 Mr. Lorraine.
The minister also noted the contributions of Nova Scotians who have given significant time and energy to local race tracks. "Working together in a spirit of co-operation, we can make this a real success story," said Mr. Lorraine.
The Atlantic Lottery Corp. involvement in harness racing also extends to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia has three harness racing tracks -- Inverness, Sydney and Truro.
The corporation'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. The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Comm., the regulatory agency for the industry, was also instrumental in getting negotiations off the ground.
The program will be directed by Bert McWade, vice president, Atlantic Lottery Corp., a former manager of Champlain Raceway.
Atlantic Lottery conducts and manages lottery activities in Nova Scotia, acting as agent and operator for the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp.