The government may not be funding it, but the show will go on. The Yorkton Exhibition Association (YEA) has announced in spite of a lack of SLGA (Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority) funding this year, there will be 12 harness races in Yorkton with the first one taking place in June.
"Many of you know that in the spring of 2012 SLGA announced funding would no longer be available for 2013... During the summer of 2012 Yorkton hosted 16 races and we received a grant of $320,000...," details Shaun Morin, General Manager of the YEA.
"Since the beginning of January we've been meeting with SLGA and Prairieland Park in Saskatoon to explore 'mutually beneficial' funding opportunities for horse racing on a going forward basis... the position of the YEA was, and is, that the SLGA should reconsider their decision and reinstate the $1.5 million provincial grant... We were advised that this option is not on the table for discussion."
Morin says the YEA is now in discussions with Prairieland Park and that an "agreement in principle" has been reached. "We're also investigating other possible funding options..."
As discussion continue and the board strives to get the government to alter its decision, Morin say there was a tough decision to be made.
"Do we throw in the towel and give up on horse racing? Or do we move forward, recognizing that we will certainly be looking at a large financial loss..."
The decision was reached to press on. Morin says if the YEA was to let racing go, he believes it would be very difficult to get back.
There will be 12 races, with opening day planned for Friday, June 7, post time 5:45 p.m. Races will be held each Friday during June, July and August with a special race card on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16.
While the YEA acknowledges the fact there will be considerable work ahead, the board is confident the local business community and individuals will help endorse an event that brings both tourism and dollars to the city.
"The board believes in horse racing, they believe in what it does for our community... it's a big part of the heritage of the YEA and we're not willing to let it die in this province without a fight.
