Supporters of Saskatoon s Marquis Downs asking city councilors to save horse racing track
A delegation of horse racing supporters will be speaking to city councillors Monday morning in an attempt to stop the closure of Saskatoon s Marquis Downs track.
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CBC News ·
Posted: May 10, 2021 5:00 AM CT | Last Updated: May 10
Nicole Hein, an apprentice jockey and an advocate for the Saskatchewan horse racing industry, will be talking to a Saskatoon city committee on Monday.(Leanne King Photography)
By Brad Jennings
May 10, 2021 | 1:53 PM
Numerous speakers attended the City’s Planning and Development committee Monday regarding concerns over Prairieland Park’s shutdown of Marquis Downs.
Eddie Esquirol, President of the Saskatchewan Division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association says in addition to how horse racing benefits the province’s economy, agribusiness and employment, even more important is how it helps youth.
“I’ve seen at risk youth come to the track and work in the back stretch. Here they learn to care for animals, how to do chores, and how to work with mentors who come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and will teach them responsibility and pride.”
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A group representing stakeholders in Saskatchewan’s horse racing industry wants the City of Saskatoon to consider changing its lease with the corporation that runs Prairieland Park.
Speakers representing horse jockeys, breeders and First Nations with interests in horse breeding and racing are expected to address members of the city’s planning, development and public services committee on Monday.
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Nicole Hein, an apprentice jockey and organizer for the horse racing lobby in Saskatchewan, said all nine speakers will be trying to impress upon councillors the cultural, historic and economic value that would be lost with the closure of Marquis Downs, which is Saskatchewan’s only track.
Article content
A group representing stakeholders in Saskatchewan’s horse racing industry wants the City of Saskatoon to consider changing its lease with the corporation that runs Prairieland Park.
Speakers representing horse jockeys, breeders and First Nations with interests in horse breeding and racing are expected to address members of the city’s planning, development and public services committee on Monday.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser. Horse racing supporters take aim at city s relationship with Prairieland Park Back to video
Nicole Hein, an apprentice jockey and organizer for the horse racing lobby in Saskatchewan, said all nine speakers will be trying to impress upon councillors the cultural, historic and economic value that would be lost with the closure of Marquis Downs, which is Saskatchewan’s only track.
Prairieland Park announced the cancellation of thoroughbred racing last month, but some in the industry are trying everything they can to ensure a future for the sport in Saskatchewan.