As many have heard, in the spring of 2012 Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming announced it will be cancelling all funding for horse racing events in the province effective 2013. The impact for Yorkton will be significant says Shaun Morin, General Manager for the Yorkton Exhibition Association.
As such, Morin sent a letter to Yorkton City Council seeking support from the city.
"As you are aware, the Yorkton Exhibition Association (YEA) has been the home of Harness Racing in Saskatchewan for the past five years... This will be a huge loss to both the YEA and our community. In the past, Friday night racing has become a community event and good family entertainment as well as a fundraiser for the YEA. In 2008 the YEA constructed a parimutuel building. We have invested countless dollars and volunteer hours into the industry and now find ourselves without the opportunity to recoup the investment."
Mornin says he will be meeting with the SGLA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Sport, Heritage Culture this Friday in an attempt to save racing in the city as well as in the province.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the YEA I am requesting a letter of support for horse racing to continue in Yorkton from the City of Yorkton."
On Monday council approved the letter and residents can await the outcome and further details as they develop.
