The Betting Company-BC Racebook

Note: This text has been transcribed from a letter by Derek Sturko, Chair of the BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee (download a copy of the official letter)

August 19,2010

Horse'Racing Industry Participants:

Re: Important Final Changes Regarding the 2011 Standardbred Race Season

Further to my August 13, 2010 and August 16,2010 letters, I am writing to advise about one final change'to the 2010 standardbred 'race,season.

As noted in previous communications, the fiscal circumstances concerning the horse racing industry are difficult and the BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee is considering how to respond to those challenges in the best interests of the industry. These circumstances will require a new approach to the business of horse racing.

Based on discussions with the Harness Racing BC Society (HRBCS)'and with the full endorsement and support of the committee, the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation(GCGC) has sought two additional minor changes to the 2010 standardbred race season. Specifically, GCGC has requested the addition of October 1,2, 8 and 9, 201O as race days and the elimination of December 17 and 19, 2010 as race days. Gaming Policy and Enfofcement Branch has approved those changes in race days.

In effect, these changes will increase the number of remaining 2010 standardbred race days from 23 to 25. HRBCS indicates the restoration of the four days in October will allow for important race events that had been planned for some time to occur. While the four new race days will overlap with the dend of the 2010 thoroughbred season, race times will be different and the committee felt confident that the current circumstances warranted such an arrangement for this
circumstance.

I can also confirm that discussions between GCGC and HRBCS concerning the 2011 standardbred race season could start as early as Friday, August 20, 2010., We all anticipate those discussions will'result in a 2011 standardbred race season that balances the difficult financial circumstances in which the industry finds itself with the need to give those involved in the standardbred sector some certainty about what 2011 will look like.

Finally, given the fiscal circumstances that this industry has faced for some time, the committee believes the industry should consider any opportunity that might enhance the stability and viability of racing. That is why the notion of an inter-provincial standardbred racing season with Alberta was suggested as a possibility.

However, given the response from standardbred horse people in both BC and Alberta, the committee will not pursue the possibility of an inter-provincial standardbred racing season with Alberta any further at this time.

I hope this letter provides those involved with standardbred horse racing some further confidence in the intentions of the committee.

Derek Sturko
Chair, BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee
pc: Honourable Rich Coleman
Committee members
Chris Curtis
Doug Scott